Cramming For The Test

Recently I had a dentist appointment. Not once in the last 365 days did I floss my teeth. However, with the appointment just a few days away, I was suddenly motivated to floss my teeth. Does anyone else feel like a trip to the dentist is a big exam you have to pass or is it just me? Does anyone else try to cram for their annual hour of dental judgement? I can’t lie. I have a great dentist, and I am sure she is not judging me. Still, every six months I cram for the test , just a few nights before it.

Then, my Lord impressed upon me how much a person’s spiritual walk is like going to the dentist. Some people naturally have great teeth with very little effort. Many people have great teeth because of good hygiene and regular check-ups, and many others have…well, just bad teeth! In the same way, I look around and can’t count the number of people who appear blessed and happy and seem to have no relationship with God whatsoever. There are people who have outright rejected our Lord, and they seem proud of their rebellious positions. I have a good relationship with my Father, but it has come through tears and regular check-ups. Although I can cram for my dental exam by flossing and using mouthwash for a week before, there is no way I can be ready to meet Jesus in just a few days.

Isn’t that how many people act, though? I’ve heard a number of times, “I’ll get around to reading the Bible someday” or “Sunday is my day with family. I don’t have time to go to church first” or “I believe in God, and I’m a good person”. I remember thinking those things myself. Looking back, I now know I was wrong. I don’t think I would’ve passed the test if I had died twenty years ago. I wouldn’t have even known to cram for it.

So if anyone reading this is like me, a highly talented procrastinator, let me offer some wisdom from experience. The more I read the Bible and visit with God, the more I realize how little I know about him and his kingdom. I read Scripture, and he opens my eyes to knowledge. I confide in him and he reveals more. I run after my Lord and he expands my horizon. The harder I work, the deeper his treasure chest gets. How can you cram for a test that seems limitless? You can’t, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone.

Find the remnant, God’s true children. He tells us in Hebrews 10:24-26, to gather together and encourage each other. Read his Book. Our King gave it to us generations ago for comfort, instruction, and conviction. Visit with our Lord, and don’t waste another day. He wants us to pass. He wants us with him for all eternity, but this is one test we won’t be able to cram for.

Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ’s presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren’t at all?

2 Corinthians 13:5 TLB