If you’re over six you’ve had plenty of experience with tests. In one fantasy, you arrive at school to find out that ALL your tests have been canceled. No dreaded oral report in English. No History term paper due. Best of all, no Math tests for the foreseeable future! Like I said, in your dreams.

But tests can do some good things. Rather than simply pointing out painfully what you don’t know, they can also confirm what you do know. Without some tests, you’d never know what you knew.

Medical tests are a bit different. They seem necessary when we’re in pain or other bodily discord. They can point out to the doctor what’s wrong, and that begins the assessment of what treatment will restore health, or at least halt the harm of the ailment. Trouble is medical tests often indicate more tests, and then after the treatment more tests for follow up. Later, more tests to confirm the illness has not returned. Is there ever any real cure, closure, or end to costs from this approach?

Fortunately, some medical practitioners have put medical tests to the test and concluded many are ineffective and therefore unnecessary. Nearly 375,000 physicians from nine medical organizations have just published a list of tests and treatments they agree should no longer be prescribed. Groups as varied as allergists, immunologists, family practitioners, cardiologists, radiologists and others signed on to this conclusion, one that should save costs and reduce fear.

Long ago I had a medical test for an illness which indicated certain drugs were needed, according to the kind physician in attendance. To a Christian Scientist, the approach of looking only for what was wrong and looking only to the body was different. I was accustomed to a spiritual, prayer based perspective that looked to thought. But out of respect for the wishes of a relative, I took the test and began the regimen of drugs. The test indicated I needed these drugs for at least six weeks, and then would have to have another test. But the drugs produced unpleasant side effects, and I yearned for something better.

After about four days I recommitted to what I knew: a prayer based approach to health that assumed wellness, not illness. I looked to thought, not to the body, for corrective measures. In respect for the physician, however, I told the medical staff of my decision to stop taking the drugs and the reason for this, then expressed gratitude for their care. In order to relieve them of responsibility I offered to take the test that would, I knew, clear me of evidence of illness. (I had been praying persistently.) The nurse was extremely doubtful, but agreed. The test came back positive—I was cleared and cured. We rejoiced together.

I’m glad our medical community puts tests to the test. It’s a sign of great integrity, and a sincere interest in our health as well as our pocketbooks. I hope they go on testing, testing and testing the tests.