Article January 9, 1965 Issue

The Test of Discipleship

KATHRYN PAULSON GROUNDS

Every scholar recognizes that a test is simply an examination of one's understanding of a subject, an opportunity to give proof of proficiency. Without it, there would be small evidence that the student was assimilating a teacher's instructions, consolidating them, and demonstrating their practical usage. The results of a test make it apparent to the entire classroom which students are grasping a subject and which are not.

Christ Jesus recognized that his disciples must pass the test of demonstration in order to prove not only their acceptance of what he taught but their understanding of it. Toward the end of his ministry, he outlined the determining condition of true discipleship (John 13:35): "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

What is the test of individual Christian discipleship? Love! The Master knew that the sharp eyes of the world would gauge his disciples' worthiness to be called his followers by the love they expressed to one another— the inexhaustible, forgiving, divine affection they manifested among themselves and, of course, to others. But it is sometimes much easier to be tender, patient, and compassionate with outsiders than it is with those in one's immediate circle of church, home, or business. Those with whom we come in frequent or constant contact are more likely to strain our forbearance than those whom we see only occasionally.

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