Making and taking tests with confidence

For many people, especially teachers and students, this time of year is for test-giving and test-taking. Of course others face their own tests -- civil service exams, job-licensing tests of various types. Even market testing for a new product may demand some of the skills associated with making up a good exam. Each kind of test requires insight, discernment, wisdom, intelligence.

All of these are qualities of God and, as such, are included in man's real being. In fact, as we identify with God's man, we discover greater capacity in ourselves to live these qualities. We become better at seeking -- and finding -- answers, whether for tests or in response to personal crises.

Joseph, in the Bible, must have understood something of the fact that God is the source of intelligence. Through years of adversity, he had learned to listen to God, the only Mind, for direction. In response to a request from the Pharaoh to interpret a dream, Joseph replied, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." n1 He then correctly predicted Egypt's agricultural status for the next fourteen years. Pharaoh was so impressed by this display of intelligence that he gave Joseph the chief post in government, second only to the ruler himself.

n1 Genesis 41:16

Like Joseph, we can learn to rely on God for our answers. Man isn't limited by a material brain but partakes fully of the infinite intelligence of God. As we identify with this spiritual -- and only -- man, we take the first steps in overcoming material limitations. Spiritual intuition helps us see ahead and deepens our insight so we can bring out more profound relationships between concepts. Confident in God, we will be less likely to succumb to the tension and fear that sometimes hamper even the well-prepared student. at exam time. As Mary Baker Eddy n2 writes: "A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought , giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity." n3

n2 Mrs. Eddy is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science;

n3 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 128.m

Before, during, and after our tests we can rely on God's governing presence.

Before. We can be obedient to God's ordering of our days and disciplined about how we spend our time. As a result, we can expect to be alert and receptive during class and to be able to approach outside study with thoroughness.

During.God's man is never rattled or nervous, sleepy or confused.Quiet listening for God's guidance and earnest prayer during an exam are invaluable in helping break through whatever mental barriers we may face. They'll help us draw on our total knowledge, not just depend on isolated fragments.

After. We can recognize that divine Love, God, is the judge of man. This may lead to a fresh perception of our ability by those responsible for reviewing our work. It may also lead to our own realization of a need to better prepare ourselves in the future.

Teachers who identify with the man Mind created can present their subject matter more DAILY BIBLE VERSE O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me. Psalms 43:3 effectively, can prepare their examinations more comprehensively, and can grade them more discerningly. They will ask questions of their students that will challenge intelligence and demand more creativity.

With experience, our growing consciousness of Mind's governing power may actually make test-giving and test-taking more enjoyable. Then, in place of nervousness or regret, we can face all our tests knowing that, like Joseph, we will have the "answer of peace."