Test Our Hearts

Test Our Hearts!

“The melting-pot is for silver and the hot fire is for gold, but the Lord tests hearts.” Proverbs 17:3

Each of us has been put on this earth to accomplish the most we can in this life. If we open our eyes we will become aware of the fact that all that comes our way is part of God’s refining process. Every pressure is an opportunity to learn to trust, every needy person that comes across our path is a chance to see Jesus face to face, and every success is granted by the mercy of the God who loves us beyond our understanding.

It is so trite to say, “Jesus loves you.” We sing it as children, we say it to others, but do we comprehend the depth of that love? Do we understand His love is a fire that burns away every vestige of the need for affirmation in this world? If we knew that everything is based on His love for us, we would seek for better ways to understand our world.

We would no longer point fingers at those we think are somehow less worthy of God’s love. We would stop taking offense. We would care less whether our ideas are used. We would not feel the need to retaliate or to answer back when misunderstood. We would see everything through the love that took Jesus all the way to the cross.

Think about it. He is perfect. He never sinned, never said or did anything that was offensive. Oh yes, people took offense, but there was nothing offensive in His person. He healed out of compassion, He wept with those who grieved and He touched the untouchables of His time. In spite of all that, He was hated and brought before a tribunal on trumped up and false charges.

Yet He did not answer back. You or I may be afraid of confrontation, and out of that fear, keep our mouths shut. But Jesus had all power. He could have stopped the entire proceedings; He could have showed His trial it for the sham it was. He could have exposed Pilate, Caiaphas and Herod. He could have come out on top with a single word because it was His Word that created the entire world.

Instead He suffered at their hands. He did not answer back as they whipped Him and jeered at Him. He remained silent as they shoved a thorny crown on His head, beating Him with reeds and mocking Him, “Come on, Prophet! Tell us who hit you. You’re supposed to be so powerful. Tell us!”

These were not everyday sinners He was confronting; they represented the epitome of evil and wickedness. They not only succumbed to personal temptation but they defiantly used their power to mistreat others. Yet Jesus remained silent. Yes he loved “us”, but He also loved “them”!

Which brings me back to what it means, living in this world so aware of the fiery love of Christ. It will change our words. We will no longer be sourpusses who whine when we do not get our way. We will restrain our political rants and express our opinions in the light of Jesus’ love for our so-called opponents. We will touch those who no one else gives a moment of time. We will befriend the outcasts, pray for the wicked, and never give up hope that the love of God can pierce the most impenetrable heart.

But even more than that, we will be conscious of His undying love for us. How securely the child rests in the arms of its parent. Think about the last time you angrily ranted about some personal offense. What was the emotion really about? If you knew in that moment how deeply loved you are by Christ, would it have changed your response?

Dear one, this world is the cauldron in which God refines us. If we allow, we learn to love those who get under our skin. If we are attentive, we see our best efforts as the merest sawdust they are, contrasted with His incredible compassion. If we let Him love us, we will become purer, more holy, and more real. Or, if we choose, we can simply remain the same.