"MRI"

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test? But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test. Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. (2 Corinthians 13: 5-9 NASV).

A “MRI,” the abbreviation for “Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” is one of the most definitive tests for looking at the physical body internally. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. Monday morning, for some of you as you are reading this devotional, I will have one done to determine what the next course of action will be to treat a deterioration in my spine that has been causing me some difficulty over the last few months.

This won’t be the first one for me, though it is the first time they have been looking for problems in my spine. I am confident that whatever the results, the Lord will use it to benefit both me and others. However, I did begin thinking a bit about the whole concept of testing the “inside” of my body. In our reading today the apostle urges the Corinthians to “test” themselves to see if they were in the faith. That seems like an odd thing to say at first glance. However, when I think about it, it makes very good sense to do an intensive, detailed check-up from time to time.

It is so easy to drift through life and develop habits and patterns that are not in themselves bad. They just aren’t good. The phrase “in the faith” is better translated “true to the faith.” Sometimes it is so easy to proclaim our faith with our words and deny it with our actions. These physical check-ups cost a little time and a little more inconvenience, but if the beginnings of a dangerous illness are discovered, the cost is well worth it. All of us ought to be able to agree something is very wrong with the world. The Christian is supposed to have the answer to the moral plague sweeping the nations. But something is very wrong with the average Christian church. There is supposed to be love, but there is envying, strife and division. There is supposed to be holiness, but there is instead often downright ungodliness. There is supposed to be power, but there is largely only weakness and spiritual sickness. We are supposed to have revival, but on the whole we have still not seen any great awakening. Could it be that we have slowly become unfaithful? Well, I’m nearly out of space for today, so here’s the challenge for you and I in this day when we need to do a spiritual MRI: on a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being not at all and 10 being perfect, where would you rate your spiritual health? I don’t expect there’ll be very many 10’s. If there are, do a “hand-check.” That is, if there aren’t nail prints, probably not a ten! However, if it is a five or less, let’s commit ourselves to a renewed process of growth and healing in the area that needs improvement. Maybe it will be in your devotional life, your prayer life, perhaps its in your service to others; it could be in your attitudes. The Holy Spirit will guide you to the specific area. Just go through the “test.” If you need help with a plan of action email me. Let’s be true to our faith!