I grew up taking tests that were on paper. When the teacher gave us the test papers, we could see how many questions there were. We knew how much time we had to come up with the answers.
The anxiety set in when we realized how many answers we did not know. Often we would skip those and go on to the ones we did know.
Then, as the clock was running out, we would go back in a panic and try again. But still we were not sure we got it right.
In fact, many times we would turn in our papers and be sure we had failed the test.
In recent years, a young friend told me her tests were computerized.
The initial questions were easy. But each subsequent question was harder.
She said the computer did not allow her to go back to any previous question.
The other interesting feature was that she could not tell how many questions there were on the test. The computer only let her see one question at a time.
She said there was no time limit given. She guessed if she had taken too long, the teacher would have called time, but she really did not know when.
She said after a certain number of correct answers, the computer generated a congratulations on her success and ended the test.
She did not know what happened if someone failed the test.
Her experience is a beautiful allegory of our life.
God gives us simple questions initially. But as we grow, the questions become more complex.
God tells us not to look back and keep mulling over the past and how many questions we missed.
God tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Focus on this day.
We do not know how much time we have to complete the earth test.
We hope to get to the end of the test and hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s Happiness!”
Matthew 25:23
