We’re at the end of another school year. The seniors have marched down the aisle in cap and gown to receive their diplomas. Underclass students have sat for two days’ worth of final exams. Lockers are cleaned out, and the last bell has rung for the year. Some of the graduates were probably rejoicing that their education was complete. That is, of course, not the case.
Today’s proverb reminds us that the real exams come from the Lord. “A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and the Lord is the tester of hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3, CSB)
The fires of life reveal our hearts. “You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7, CSB)
And yet, God knows our hearts even before the fire shows our metal. These fires are not to challenge whether we have faith. God already knows our hearts. The fire and the tests show us what we may not see about ourselves. Not some hidden strength or talent, but the deposit of God in our hearts.
I’ve heard many people having gone through a difficult time express the peace they discovered in Christ. I’ve also seen people find inexpressible love and grace in the face of vitriol, hate, and anger. Many have reported a deeper faith when theirs was challenged by levels of persecution. And we all have found an unexpected patience in the turmoil of life.
It is through the refiner’s fire that we discern the junk from the gold in our hearts. In that moment, we have a choice. Do we keep the dross, the junk, or throw it away? The dross of selfishness, unforgiveness, and pride. Slag of greed, jealousy, and anger. The junk of sin.
Like David in Psalm 26, we should welcome God’s refining fire, “Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind. For your faithful love guides me, and I live by your truth.” (Psalm 26:1–3, CSB)
You see, our final exams are never really over. Every day we encounter new opportunities to reveal the good deposit of God’s grace in our hearts. Not for our glory, but for the Lord’s glory.
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