Tested and Approved

Are you tested and approved? Paul writes in his letter:

"Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has withstood the test." Romans 16:10

The letter represented in Romans 16 includes many personal greetings referencing men and women who have been faithful to Paul and his quest to share the truth of Christ. When I read this scripture and some related commentaries, one rendition stuck out:

"Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ."

Tested and approved...putting it in 21st Century terms - he received the "seal of approval."

Consider this - products on the market today sometimes have a "seal of approval," even sometimes advertised as "kid tested, mother approved." These products receive vigorous testing to show consumers that the claims to be a good product are true. Magazines, websites, and commercials all boast of awards received for quality standing against such testing.

Similarly, Christians are subjected to vigorous, sometimes brutal testing. Our tester is the enemy himself, and he has an extensive resume. He employs proven tactics, and has access to the latest equipment. His desire is to break us so that he can prove that we aren't worth the "market price" of Christ's death on the cross. He often pushes us to the brink, hoping to tear us apart, keeping us from receiving a seal of approval - the crown of life.

God's Word gives us encouragement to withstand the testing of this world:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:2-4, 12 NIV

For humans and earthly products alike, sometimes it's necessary to make modifications to pass the test. Maybe we get out of alignment or some integral part becomes loose. We work with our Creator who pulls out the original blueprint of our life and shows us how to make the required changes, all with the ultimate goal of receiving a seal of approval...for God to say "Well done, good and faithful servant." Tested, and approved.

So what about you - are you tested and approved in Christ? Submit yourself to the Father and ask Him to make any changes so that you will receive the "seal of approval."