Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)
Have you ever read a Bible verse and felt immediately convicted? Well, after reading this verse, I kept thinking of the many ways God tests my heart daily. I asked myself “I wonder what grade did I get and what is my average GPA in this area?” In church last weekend, we talked about the true meaning of love. This definition is defined as “disinterested benevolence” , which in a nut shell means to be “empty of all selfish intent” as our pastor delineated. I have to admit, the first thing I thought was “whew” and then I let out a sigh; realizing the many times I have come up short.
I kept thinking about that all week long, meditating on 1 Cor 13: 4-8, and repenting of conditional love or not truly displaying this type of love routinely. I was tested in this area this week and when the flesh began to rise over my spiritual desire, I had to reposition my focus and renew my mind on this verse. I had to consider the way I love and how that is seen in action by others daily.
When I read this verse in Proverbs, it made me realize the purpose of the tested heart. Like precious metals gold and silver, the heart (where our decisions, affections, desires and choices are centered around), must also be tested through fire in order to remove impurities that create love with condition, which can be rooted in selfishness. Is this a challenge? Yes, EVERYDAY! This will be challenging until we breathe our last breath on earth, but Thank God for unconditionally loving us so that we can attempt to mirror our Maker.
So, the next time you are under intense overwhelming heat and you are being tested, ask yourself: “how is my heart? how am I loving others and myself? what impurities need to be removed? and have I committed them to God for help?”
Stay Refined and Encouraged.
Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.
Complete Your Calling 