Not Temptation but Examination

Yesterday (2/10/2011) Godson and I were sitting going over some discipleship materials. I asked him if he felt like he had to sacrifice anything so far in his faith and as he serves in the ministry. He said there were some petty things that he had been doing before following Christ that he had stopped but he didn’t consider them a sacrifice.

He verbally pointed out the things that God has done for him. He marveled aloud at where God has brought him so far in his faith and life. He said that with all God has done for him he doesn’t feel as if he’s had to sacrifice anything.

I went on to ask about temptation. I know personally, when I most desire to follow Christ and rest wholly in Him, in storms Temptation! So I wanted to see where Godson was and if he too had experienced that. So our conversation went something like this:

S: So do you feel like since you have chosen to follow Christ that you have experienced more or less temptation in your life?

G: “I say there is no such thing as temptation.”

S: (Confused look)

G: laughs and says, “It’s not temptation but examination. (Seeing my still confused look he says,) Okay, what is temptation?”

It’s when something that is not of God is put before you and you must choose that thing or you must choose to refuse it and follow God.

“Okay so then, what is an examination?”

A test.

“So then when something comes before you it is an examination to see where you really stand and if you are going to follow God. Therefore, I say, ‘There’s no such thing as temptation, rather examination.’”

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Pretty neat insight from a believer! Call it what you want, temptation or examination, Godson is right- the way we approach it reveals our hearts and where we stand when it comes to serving our Creator.

I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve. (Jer. 17:10)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. (2 Cor. 3:5-6)

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Father, as we face trials and temptations, may we choose the way out which You have promised to provide so that when we do examine ourselves and our choices, we can know that we have followed You and that You are pleased with us. Thank You Father for Your truth and for Your mercy. Thank You for continued understanding and encouragement!