Words about the Word - Paul Johnston - Friendship Baptist Church
Search Me, Try Me
I learned how to play chess as a teenager and really enjoyed playing against my dad or my friend, Bob. Chess is a game of strategy and traditionally is played on a one-dimensional board, but some of you might remember the chess set from the show StarTrek. Now, that was a different concept all together. There were multiple levels! Consider the Christian’s life in those terms. The one-dimensional board represents our life, the one we muddle through barely thinking about God. Level two on the board represents the walk we could have if we prayed without ceasing, took our knowledge of God up a notch and really tried to be like Jesus.
What if we took our Christian Walk to another level? Living in the one-dimensional life, Satan is content to mostly leave us alone because we aren’t making an impact, but when we decide to grow our faith, Satan will attack our efforts as we grow closer to Jesus. Moving our Christian life to the next level will require several things.
First, we must ask God to search our heart. He will, through the Holy Spirit, let us know what needs to change. Then comes the question, “what’s it gonna be, you or me?” Will we choose God’s way or our own way?
If you commit to change:
He will show us our shortcomings.
He will reveal our sins.
He will show us the area where we need to forgive.
He will show us where we need to ask for forgiveness.
He will reveal when we need to repent.
He will show us how to be happy, and more.
Psalm 139: 23-24
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Jeremiah 17:10
10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
Next, we must ask God to test us. Life will present an opportunity to see if we’ve learned His way. Sometimes, like in school, we must go back to Chapter 1, learn it all over and wait for the retest. Keep working, keep practicing. The best example I can think of is the training a fireman undergoes. They must know how to use the equipment, how to fight different kinds of fires, and they have to train physically. But, they are not ready until they prove that they will run into the fire. On 9/11 when everyone was running from the towers, the firemen were running into the buildings. When God is directing our actions, we have passed the test.
Job 23:10
10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Proverbs 17:3
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
After God has searched our hearts and tested us, he will know us.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
He’ll place you on a path to change lives. Sometimes it is in the workplace. As an old coach, seeing lives of youth changed is the reward to me. As a pastor, seeing people come together to serve God is a blessing. Seeing someone accept Jesus is worth rejoicing.
Finally, we must ask God to lead us. When Jesus ascended back to heaven, he didn’t say, “see you later.” He left us the Holy Spirit. God is with us.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous… for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.
Proverbs 20:24
24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will not force his will on our lives. We must choose. Are you satisfied with living a one-dimensional Christian life? If not, allow God to search you, test you, know you and lead you to a more impactful life for Him.
God Bless!
