Sunday Recap 3-18-12

Morning: The sermon, "A Cure for Test Anxiety," focused on James 1:2-4.  James reminds us to rejoice in trials because they come with a reward.

Most people don't like taking tests, but we all get tested from time to time. The question most of us have in the back of our minds is "Will we be able to pass the test?" The question reminds me of the song, "The Impression That I Get." A line in the song says,

I'm not a coward, I just never been tested.
I'd like to think that if I was I would pass.
Look at the tested and think, but for grace go I.
Might be a coward. I'm afraid what I might find.

When it comes to spiritual testing, most of us would rather avoid it. The thought of God testing us makes us anxious. James tells us to take a different approach. We should rejoice in our trials, because they help us to mature.

Your Looking at the Test the Wrong Way

James calls us to rejoice in our trials, because they produce perseverance. We look at such a request and question his mental status. We can't imagine being beaten and imprisoned and finishing the night out with a worship service. We can't imagine being beating and walking away rejoice in God's kindness. Testing is part of the Christian life. Tests come in many different kinds (see Matt. 5:10-11; 2 Cor. 11:21-28; and Rom.  7:14-20 for examples).

We become anxious about the testing for one of two reasons. The first reason is that we view the test as pass/fail. When we allow ourselves to become performance oriented, we lose sight of the cross. God's love for us is not based in our actions, but in his nature (see Rom. 5:6-8). The second reason is that we assume the test is a judgment. Something bad happens to us, and we begin to ask, "What did I do now?" Sometimes, we know there is sin that needs to be driven out of our lives. We know we are reaping what we have sown. But other times, it is better to assume God is teaching us something.

View Testing as a Learning Opportunity

The author of Hebrews tells us to, "Endure hardship as discipline" (Heb. 12:7). If we look at discipline as teaching and remember that God disciplines those he loves, we can endure hardship more effectively. Trials teach you your limits. They show you what you don't know. They correct your misunderstandings. Trials demonstrate God's love. As you allow perseverance to work in your life, you grow. Remembering the benefits of perseverance helps us to keep our eye on the prize.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

James promises that perseverance, when permitted, will bring rich rewards. Perseverance brings about maturity. Maturity is the ability to discern right from wrong, and to enjoy choosing the right. As you persevere in faith, you become complete. All the pieces of you come together under the common goal of pursuing God's glory and you find yourself pursuing God heart and soul. Finally, maturity and completeness mean that you lack nothing. It means you have everything you need to live a life that pleases God.

If you were tested, do you think you would pass? Does the though of failing make you anxious? Cling to Christ, and he will help you pass each test you face.

Evening: We had a special called business meeting tonight. We are going to be renovating our kitchen and fellowship hall areas.