1 Timothy 3:10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

Blameless? I thought we were all sinners saved by grace? We are and this blameless is not about sin. It is about having a proper understanding of the Word of God and the role the Word plays out in our lives.

How do you know if your personal theology is sound or not? It will never be tested if all you do in Sunday school is take notes and keep to yourself. A testing of your understanding of the Word and how it works out in your life cannot be done in silence.

Taking a test and getting a grade only proves you can pass a written test. How do you respond in the world when tested by temptation or opposition? Are you easily swayed by the convincing words of people of high intellect and no moral character? Is pure logic your master? Do you absolutely have to understand with a high degree of confidence before you are willing to do what is right?

Being tested is both understanding and action. If your actions belie your faith, what good does your faith do anyone? There are reasons the ungodly call us hypocrites. The first reason is because they have no idea what it means to be a Christian. The second reason is because our actions do not match our words.

There is a sound reason why the bible says not to swear an oath. God and the ungodly will both hold you to it.

Like it or not, you will be tested.

Acts 20:24a none of these things move me

You are motivated. Even if you do nothing, you are motivated. Paul is stating here in Acts that he is not moved but his point is that he is determined to go to Jerusalem even though he has been seriously warned that he would be arrested and thrown into prison. Even the Holy Spirit is confirming to him that he is about to be arrested.

Even so Paul will not be moved off point which is seen in the second half of verse 24. “so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul is determined to finish his course, his calling, no matter what.

The end result of Paul staying on course is house arrest and all the epistles he writes there which comprise the bulk of the New Testament. In the 16^th chapter of Acts we read that Paul and Silas were beaten and put in jail only to have God cause an earthquake that set them free and led to their jailers salvation. Paul knew with assurance of faith, that if he were to go to prison, and remain there, it would be according to the will of God and not man.

What motivates you to do the will of God? What motivates you to do nothing? You cannot have it both ways. If you say you do not know God’s will, then I ask you why you haven’t sought His will.

The wisdom of an old Jedi Master comes to mind here. “There is no try. Do or do not.”

What is your motive?