I heard a most wonderful quote the other day, which has caused me to dive into it.
The purpose of a test is to gauge exactly where the student/taker is at, in terms of level of knowledge. Whether the person knows how to apply the knowledge gained, or whether the person just has a basic level, and barely recognizes the 'correct' answer. This information is applicable to the taker and the administrator.
But, what if the administrator already knows this? What if they already know the EXACT depth of your understanding? Then, it's all about me. It�s all about giving me feedback. What questions I have trouble with. What lengths I am able to answer the question. How far I�m able to apply the concepts. And flat out the things that I just don't know.
When I see a question on a test I think one of a few different things:
1. I know what this question is asking. I recognize it, know the appropriate equations, texts, definitions, etc. what leads to the answer, and can quickly give the answer without looking at the choices. The answer is: now, let's look at the choices to decide which it is.
-this is the ideal case. It suggests that I fully understand, and can apply the concept without pause. Without trouble. Instinct.
2. hm... I know the basics, and can come up with the solution, given time. so, let's work through it. ok, let's look at the answers to see which one matches. then, compare them. if one is off, then why.
-this is next to ideal. the only thing lacking is practice.
3. umm... I barely recognize this... so; let's look at the answers to see which seems closest to what I�m comfortable with.
-this is obviously less than ideal. even if I get it right, it shows a complete lack in knowledge. it tells me that I�m lacking most essential elements in this area, and need to look it up. then, once I have the basics down, need to practice.
4. holy lettuce leaves. I do believe there are too many ants in this pile.... umm... c? no, the last was c... I�ll choose the least absurd looking letter... or the choice that has the most words in it.
-wow... yeah I need to write this down. go back, ask teacher, look up definition and equations (etc.), and get cozy with this. I am so far from this I just need to go to battle to get it down. then, request myself on this later.
5. I�ve lost all confidence with my confidence in these questions, and am now resorting to just picking letters to get it all over with.
- absolutely the worst place to be in. it's time to devote myself to actually studying. need to change things up quite a bit.
now... why go through all of this? why list my reactions? because this is a lot like life. the quote I heard the other day was:
"The teacher is always quiet during the test."
if the teacher knows exactly where I am, how much I know, and how capable I am of applying this to different problems... then, this is for me. I can use this to be confident. I can use this to practice what I�ve learned, in order to make a part of myself. I can see how lacking my knowledge is, and where the gaps are. I can choose to feel overwhelmed, and start blindly choosing answers, with no real effort in solving any part of it.
then, after the test is turned in.... I can choose to take it in stride. go home and pick up the books, ask the teacher, or ask friends for help. or, I can choose to remain overwhelmed. stay in denial, and forget that I need any knowledge about it.
and here's the maturity with god part.
when god gives us tests... it's not for him to see how he can use us. he already knows. it's not for him to gauge how much he can trust us. he already knows. it's not for him at all, in fact, except that your choice can lead to glorifying him.
...
it's for us. it comes down to our choosing. for us to engage ourselves into it. to find out exactly how we are lacking to overcome the problem. then, to turn in the test, go home, and master what we were falling short in.
sure, we may find ourselves slow... we may find ourselves heavily lacking in some areas. we may just have no idea where to start. but, that's why god is there. ask the source of all things. [Matthew 7:7=ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it shall be opened to you]. that's why others are there for us. ask others for support. [there are so many for this... but, I like these best: romans 12:5=we are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. & Galatians 6:2=obey the law of Christ by sharing in others troubles and problems.]
to prepare ourselves for the next test. that is our responsibility. not to hide from the knowledge (or lack thereof) [Hebrew 10:24=encourage fellowship, don't hide from it]. god is not testing us to destroy us. he's testing us to show us what we are lacking. and the more he tests us, the more he wants us to pass the course. the more he wishes for us to be happy, and to get 100%. for, it is then that we glorify him the most.
...
so, during the test, the teacher is always quiet. not for punishment. not for abandonment. but, for our learning purposes. for, how are we to know where we are lacking if he just spouts the information at our every beckon? how are we to gauge what our level of knowledge is, if we just regurgitate at the time we are told it? how are we to grow, if we truly do not grasp the basics? in other words...
don't take him testing us as a sign of pain and suffering. he would not give the test if it weren't meant for our own benefit. for, that is the difference between god and Satan. Satan�s way benefits Satan, while blinding us from the consequences to come. and god's way... god's way is to teach us. so that ALL benefit. we are happy/healthy/successful. and, that makes god look good. we become lights unto the world so that god can spread that happiness to all.
...
Thank you, oh my precious father. Holy and majestic are you. Take care of my daily needs, so that I may be enabled to serve you. Your will be done, in all, through all. Forgive me for my wrongs, and help me to see how others are the same as me. This flesh lacking.... To show me you are my source for all. That without you I am nothing. Thank you oh lord for this lesson. Thank you for teaching me. In your silence, I am still being taught. deliver me from all evils. Remain as you are oh lord. Your promise kept for always, that there is a way out of all temptations. All these things in your name. In your kingdom. For your purpose. For your glory. For ever and ever.
