It is hard to believe that we are almost to the half way point in President Obama's first 100 days as our country's leader. As many presidents before him, he has accomplished so many things in these first days in office. Every major News Channel in the country is emphasizing the frist 100 days because so very much is at stake. Unemployment has gone up, the financial markets continue to be weak, and industry is still slowing down. Throughout history, we have seen these first 100 days as a test period or indicator of the remaining 3.5 years of an individual's presidency. How will he govern? What will guide his decision making? Who will be the key leaders that surround him? It is test time for President Obama and I believe he knows it. You can see it by the schedule he is keeping - pass or fail - that is the question on the table.
Life is filled with tests. School children confront this tension each week. Nathan started this year the weekly spelling test - oh, that brings back memories (not good ones). Every two weeks most of us are tested in our jobs. You know if you passed or failed by the paycheck you receive. We verify a great number of things each day by test them.
For example: How fast I should drive on the road? I know this by of course the posted speed limit, but also by testing my speed against other drivers. If I am passing more cars than are passing me, then I am probably going too fast. If too many are passing me, then too slow. Testing, testing, testing.
The churches around Ephesus were asking the Disciple John, how can we know we have eternal life? What test can you provide us? We want proof of a relationship with God.
The letter of First John is his answer, in which he lays out three tests:
1. The Righteous Test: Do like Jesus Did
2. The Love Test: Love like Jesus Loved
3. The Belief Test: Trust like Jesus Trusted
We will deal with each of these tests over the next 4 weeks. Will write again soon.
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