The Marshmallow Test

In the early 1970’s psychologist Walter Mischel at Stanford University invented the Marshmallow Test. The test was intended to measure self control in children under 5 years old They constructed this test to see if a child would be able to wait for something they wanted or give in to instant gratification. The child was given the choice of being able to eat one marshmallow now or two later. Some had the ability to wait it out and not eat the marshmallow. He followed all the original kids for five decades. The ones who were able to exercise self control were more successful in life. They were able to manage their selfish impulses and delay gratifying their innate desires.

In 1 Samuel 13, we read where King Saul had trouble waiting for Samuel to come make the sacrifice before they went to war. He men were beginning to be fearful and leave. Samuel had told him to wait seven days and then he would show up to sacrifice to God. When the seventh day came and Samuel wasn’t there, Saul took matters into his own hands. For this act, the kingdom was taken from him and given to David. It would be over a decade later before David sat on the throne though. He had multiple opportunities to kill Saul and become king, yet he waited for God’s timing. Even though his men encouraged him to take Saul out, he waited for God. He submitted to God’s processes and timing.

James 4:7 says, “So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you” (GNT). The people of the Church were quarreling and fighting in those days. They wanted the blessings of God like Saul without submitting to Him. It turns out human nature hasn’t changed much. We want the marshmallow now, but God offers more if we’re willing to submit to Him and His plan. If we can resist the devil and the fleshly urges, they will flee. We will find more unity within our churches and our lives when we submit to God rather than our flesh. Where in your life are you struggling to submit to God? James continues in this chapter by telling us how to overcome in those areas. We are to resist the devil, to be repentant and to humble ourselves before God. When we do, He will lift us up in due season.

Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash