This old saying essentially means that the best way to find out if something is good is to test it for yourself. 

On occasion, when Jesus was on earth, someone would show interest in His Person, in His Ministry.

His Response at times seems to have been: “Come and See.” He said that once on record in fact, John 1:39.

In other words, “the proof is in the pudding.” I would go this far, as did David of old … “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8

But there is another Biblical way to examine reality …

1 John 2:29 … “If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.”

The proof is in this pudding, too!

A man says he is righteous.

That’s fine.

But if he merely SAYS he is righteous and then lives an ungodly life, his profession (testimony) is null and void, empty!

So Christian friends … the proof is again in the pudding, so to speak. If a person claims to be a Christian … watch his life, “taste” his life, listen to his prayers, try his spirit.

And if he is genuine … the “taste” will match the “testimony!”

Are you saved?

Are you living like it?

What kind of “taste” are you leaving in the mouths of those around you?

I suggest that (using Peter’s words now) … “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” … you will also leave graciousness in your path!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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The Title Line here is a quote from Paul, Ephesians 4:14. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”

James also uses a similar word picture, both men employing nautical terms I believe. “Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm (rudder), whithersoever the governor (pilot, captain) listeth.” James 3:4, his great “tongue” paragraph!

Looks like some kind of “storm” has come. With its gales and dangers and terrors. One that can blow a ship “off course” in a hurry. Or worse!

What do you do when faced with such peril?

I read in a devotional book earlier today (“Streams in the Desert”) where an old, experienced seaman said, “When in a storm, set your course, determine your heading … and stay with it!”

Good advice!

Paul the New Testament Apostle, often in a storm himself, writes … “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed.” Compass set … no deviation … I sail toward the “One in Whom I have believed!”

And the dear Old Testament Patriarch Job, maybe in the greatest Bible storm of all (outside of Jesus on the Cross) writes … “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15, that’s setting a course and sticking with it for sure!

So today dear reader, if your life is foggy and fearful and uncertain … set your inner compass toward Jesus! And stay with Him! “Steadfast, unmoveable!”

“Looking unto Jesus!”Hebrews 12:2

You will never shipwreck heading toward the Rock of Ages!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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