Solomon’s Colonnade ǀ Issue #9—“There’s No Testimony Without a Test!”
Is God preparing you for something big?
In this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:6-7
Do you ever feel like you are on trial? Going through a trial in life with no end in sight. Problematic people that seem to pop up in your lives, a person in your life that now is causing all kinds of grief or a disarranged family member, a problematic situation, a really bad boss, and an unsatisfactory work situation where maybe the money is good, but the climate is terrible. Things happening with your Children that you have no control over.
Peter emphasizes the worth of our faith as being more valuable than gold. Our faith holds more significance than anything materialistic or monetary. We can’t put a price on it! As a Christian, your faith must grow; if it doesn't, you are spiritually bankrupt. It's intriguing to note that Peter uses gold as a benchmark for value. Theologian RC Sproul provides an exciting interpretation of this passage. The Gold Standard was a measure derived from the Great Depression era, where the government used paper bonds as a standard instead of gold. This fateful decision led to inflation and the historic stock market crash, as paper holds little value. The Wizard of Oz, a famous movie from 1939, was initially written as a satire on the lack of a Gold Standard. The abbreviation of the term "ounce" (oz) for the gold standard was measured in ounces or "Oz," and the movie portrayed the Wizard as a fraud who held no real power.
Today, our economy's socialist or Marxist practices, like Joe Biden's excessive printing of money, place America in danger as the paper currency loses value. And while our country continues to make the mistakes of the past, we, as Disciples of Jesus, cannot make this critical mistake in God’s Domain.
Though, intangible, our faith holds more worth than gold in God's domain. Your faith is valuable beyond belief. Your faith in Christ Jesus is your most valuable possession; no one can take it away. Not Joe Biden, not the government, not Satan himself. We cannot earn this faith or put a worldly price tag on faith. Hell will be full of people who didn’t drink, smoke, or cuss; we are incredible philanthropists. Fortunately, faith is your ticket, and it’s not about you. It’s all about Him!
When Peter says, they were "tested by fire.” It's important to remember that faith never tested cannot be trusted. God will always test our faith, but these trials are necessary for our growth. I, myself, am still growing and facing challenges in my life. I can't always put on a fake smile and say everything is okay. Tests and trials are necessary for our development and preparation for more incredible things.
Like a great coach, the Holy Ghost often makes the test more demanding than the actual event; so it can benefit us in the long run. Good competition can make us better. It's important to remember that these trials and tests are only temporary and will eventually pass. When God allows us to endure difficult times, he watches over us and controls the situation. If we rebel and refuse to repent, the trial may last longer.
The saying "Seeing is believing" may not always apply to spiritual matters. Skeptics may demand to witness a miracle before they can believe it, but even if they witness one, they may still doubt it and search for worldly explanations.
Living by faith in this world can be like flying through the fog as a pilot, where one has to trust their radars. It may be hard to find the flight path during times of grief, fear, and uncertainty. A pilot must trust and have faith in radars. God is much more than our Radar; he is not our Co-Pilot. He is our Pilot period. He is driving!
Abraham was tested when he thought he had to sacrifice his son, but he emerged triumphant and basked in the glory of God. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego were also tested through fiery trials, but their faith brought a whole nation to the Lord. These trials often have nothing to do with our sins and are simply for God's glory. Guard your Testimony with your life! A great testimony typically comes with a great test! Remember the saying, "There is no testimony without a test."
Go Bold, Disciples of Jesus!
Peter emphasizes the worth of our faith as being more valuable than gold. Our faith holds more significance than anything materialistic or monetary. As a Christian, your faith must grow; if it doesn't, you are spiritually bankrupt