How are we to tell the difference between a "sign" and a "test"?

Question

Whether you believe in God or Mother Nature or the Great Spirit or Oneness, etc, most people believe that the universe gives you signs as to which direction to go, and which choices to make. To make it simple, I'll put it in Christian terms, but you can replace God and Devil with whatever you believe in, ok? Don't nitpick on that, focus on the question at hand, mmmk?

If you see 20 bucks on the street, is that God giving you a sign to pick it up, or is the Devil tempting you to take money that's not rightfully yours?

This question is NOT about 20 bucks. It's not about finding money on the street. Do NOT answer that question. The only question I want answered is: How are we to tell the difference between a "sign" and a "test"?

Davlynark: I appreciate your answer, but if I could feel it in my heart, I wouldn't be asking this question. I really can not feel it in my heart.

Judith: Did you read the info? It's not about the money! I didn't really find 20 bucks, I just put that there to clarify the question at hand, which has nothing to do with money. Ugh. Frustrating, Judith.

Answer 1

you look into your heart for the answer.
(and if you heart is pure, you will know to take $20 to the church)

Answer 2

I'm really not sure if God really tests us. I guess I have to look up some scriptures on this subject. I want to say that our faith is tested by God. I do know that God gives us signs. I have experienced it many times. As far as the example about finding cash, this could certainly be a way for God to bless us. I heard a story once from another Christian. She needed a certain amount of money and did not have it. One day, she was walking down the street and a stranger passed her and just stuck the money right in her hand as he walked passed quickly. I believe that God put it on someones heart to bless her with that money. I don't think that she should of felt tested because the money did not belong to her. I guess the best advice I have is to take each situation and pray about it. God will give you the answer. Be Blessed.

Answer 3

Personally, I don't think any divine being is sitting in some celestial palace, dreaming up tests and signs to throw in my path. I would see this as neither a sign nor a test. Our attitudes toward money really reflect our beliefs about our own relationship with God. I believe that there is only God -- everything, everyone, everywhere are all One. Sin/Evil is simply anything that denies that and puts forth the illusion of separation. People are unique manifestations of the Creative Power - that's not to say we *are* God, just that we're one with God. If you know that God represents the complete bounty that is the universe, and that you're one with god, then that bounty is your birthright. The $20 is a gift, a part of what life has to offer. You can choose to accept that gift or not. You can do good with that gift or not.

Don't get too hung up looking for signs and tests. Such thinking denies our oneness with God. To use Christian terms, the key to The Kingdom is freely offered -- it's already ours. We need only accept.

Ever read anything by Ernest Holmes? Take a look at http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/som

Answer 4

both are about the same. It's how you take it at the time it happens to you.You need to stop and really think when it happens. Is this the amount some one you know needs to finish paying a bill ?Am I suppose to give this to the next person I see that is in need? Should I give this to the church as a gift to God?OR...the Bible says "Freely give and you will Freely recieve" Did I do a good thing and God is blessing me for it ? Pray about your answer then act on it.

Answer 5

Sign: usually on a post
Test: usually graded, may be multiple choice

Seriously, one can't be tested by Satan if s/he is not in the Abrahamic faith. Satan doesn't exist outside of Christianity and such, so you're either or questioning doesn't work.

I think that sometimes things just happen without God being involved, but what counts is our actions and what's in our hearts.

Answer 6

If you pick up the $20 and make an honest effort to find out who the $20 belongs to, there is no problem. If you find them, good. You will receive a blessing. If you don't find them, the money is yours, and that is your blessing. Either way you can be blessed if you approach it in the correct manner.

Love, Hope, & Peace,

Cal-el & Swissy

Answer 7

I think people tend to view a sign, as a positive event were as a test tends to be negitive, where either outcome could be either positive or negitive. I think anyone could however view the same event as either a test or a sign due to the vagueness and lack of a clearcut spiritual definition.

Answer 8

if the 20 bucks comes in a wallet with a name and address, it would be a test. if you desperately need 20 bucks, and there is no way of knowing who lost it, that would be a sign that God heard your need and provided.

Answer 9

In the Word it tells us that we are to test the spirits to see if it be of God or of the devil..and in your heart..you will know.

Answer 10

As for me, I believe in signs, but not tests. If we are mindful, sometimes signs become apparent. We get ourselves into situations, sometimes knowingly, sometimes we stumble into them because we were not mindful and aware. I don't view a challenging situation as a test, merely living life with it's ups and downs.