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Just as academic tests reveal hidden facts about our knowledge, tests of the heart reveal the often-hidden state of our heart – whether we love God with all our heart.
Three kings gave three tests of the heart. David was faced with conflicting accounts about Mephibosheth, but when he gave half of Mephibosheth’s land to Ziba, Mephibosheth responded in gratitude and devotion to David (II Samuel 9, 16 & 19).
Solomon was faced with two mothers arguing over a baby, but when he proposed cutting the baby in half, the loving heart of the true mother was revealed (I Kings 3:16-28).
Jesus was faced with a rich, young man who wanted eternal life, but when the man was asked to give away his wealth, the true object of his affections became apparent (Matthew 19:16-22). Jesus also told of some who failed a test of the heart in the Parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:15-33).
Three lessons can be taken from these stories:
- The state of the heart is not obvious.
- A heart devoted to God requires no special skill or ability.
- Our response to adversity and prosperity reveals the state of our heart.
May we all pass the test of the heart.