For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. Psalms 66:10
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. Proverbs 27:21
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 1 Peter 1:6-8
Are you ready to be tested? Are you ready to see what really is at your core? So many think that hardship and persecution are the ultimate test, when praise, success, and wealth are significantly more dangerous tests. Many WANT the wealth and success tests. I understand the difficulty of having very little for long periods of time, and how depressing it can become. But with the proper mindset and realization that God will provide for your need (not necessarily your ‘wants’) you can still be grateful for His provision in any state you are in. If you look at the ‘stars’ from places like Hollywood you can see what ‘success’ will breed. It is a severe test indeed. Narcissism, entitlement, greed, and extreme selfishness are often so prevalent with those who are continually successful and famous. Add to that the offerings of drugs, alcohol, and debauchery available to them everywhere at copious amounts.
So you say “I’m not in Hollywood, I’m just a ‘good’ regular person.” Success can still be the greatest test you can face. I tend to look at the Church as the thing God loves the most here on earth. Plus His discipline comes first to The Church and us. Look at what so much of the spiritual leadership has spent the money on. Bigger buildings, bigger offices, bigger salaries and pensions. Bigger staffing, bigger manicured grounds and fountains. In this culture all of that speaks to ‘ego’. What about the humble carpenter? Would He really be welcome there? Where exactly is the focus? On the prestigious buildings and grounds or on the poor, widows, and orphans in their direct community? Is their focus really on Christ? They want you to believe it is. So much is done in His Name today. But does it really come from intimate relationship with Him? Or is it really about influence, marketing, and building a bigger Church? Many learn how to scratch the ears really well of those around them. What do you say is the reason for your success? How much has to do with what you have done or what the Lord has provided for you, via opportunities and open doors? When you talk about your success is it all about you? Do you liken your success to God’s approval of your efforts? Could the enemy provide success knowing your severe weakness for praise and desire for more?
Take this advice from Peter…
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:5-8
Do you want to be a mature spiritual individual? Add humility, gratefulness, and a contrite heart before God to your life. Understand in your core what your real goals are. Do your goals come from God or from your own desires? It is better that you put yourself through the process of asking what really is important to you, than allowing the enemy to utilize all of your weaknesses. Allow the Holy Spirit to set your goals for your life. This would mean that you would actually have to have a deep intimate relationship with Him. Work on that relationship. Listen to Him.