Tested

Today I was tested. That’s been happening for a couple of years now, so I’m learning more and more about myself. Today’s was a neuropsychological test because I’ve been concerned about short term memory loss and wondered if it was connected to “Henry”, the small meningioma lodged in my frontal lobe. One test today was similar to:

The tester reads aloud a list, called "Monday's shopping list". The list contains sixteen common words, each of which belongs to one of four categories: thus, there are four fruits, four herbs and spices, etc. The subject is then asked to recall as many of these items as possible.

I still remember the list I was given started with “truck”, did have vegetables, furniture and animals. I find it odd to have those words still wondering around in my brain. I couldn’t help but find the tests interesting – but there are things I do not wish to forget, and more that I wish to learn.

I do not want to lose my vocabulary. Having a wide range of words to select from helps me explain what I read, to share what I receive from the Bible with others where it may be of solace. We are told:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

To me, that means scripture is not simply to read and move on. It’s the basis for our belief system. We use it to set our standards, to see where our actions may be blamed or lack approval. Once we see the error, we use the scriptures to set a course for correction. We allow scripture to be our instruction, for God’s goal is righteousness – a moral rightness that leaves us without guilt, moving toward being without sin. And, the next verse tells us why:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17 KJV)

There’s that “good works” again. Those are goals we set as we desire to please God, not for our salvation. I never want to forget this verse:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

It is balanced by another I want to remember:

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:17-18 KJV)

I want to remember all of those – and other scriptures that have helped build my faith, as God promised:

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

Never omit reading God’s word. We may forget it over time, but it’s always available for our use to know Him better, to bring ourselves closer to Him in order to achieve His goals, that we may show our faith and share with others. At least, that’s what I think. How about you?