Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

Rain is falling. It pounded the roof in the night. I wonder if they’ll let us burn now. I may try a jog. Becki won’t go. Besides little Nick being here, she had a bad day yesterday and last night. Apparently she picked up at least a trace of MSG on Monday that triggers migraines. Not fun.

The tree job went well yesterday. I confess to experiencing an adrenalin rush when perched about 75 feet up that big tree, secured there only by spurs and a flip line, calculating the dynamics of the serious move I’m making to cut that huge section of tree above me (about 40 more feet), using my best eye-ball estimates that the whole thing will fall where I want and still miss the house. Whew! Praise the Lord! Perfect! The top branches of the top landed 8 to 10 feet from the house. And toward the house was the only direction I could put that thing. I suppose I could stick on a photo that I took from that position after the fall. (Sorry—it hasn’t yet turned up in my INBOX. Maybe tomorrow.)

The song I’ve inserted below melts me. But that is in contrast with what a lot of modern songs do to me that are sung in modern churches. Being expected to sing the same phrase over and over and over and over—even if it’s a good phrase—has the potential of voiding out the worship for me personally—and turning it into relative irritation. Is something wrong with me? (Col. 3:17).

However we slice it, let’s not stop singing—“This is my story; this is my song; praising my Savior all the day long…”

Love, Dad/Ray.

Let’s briefly take apart verses 5 and 6: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

BE WISE. First of all, notice what the text does not say. It does not say, “Be spiritual,” or “Be evangelistic,” or “Be a witness.” I think those qualities are assumed and expected. It does say, “Be wise.” In other words, be careful and thoughtful in calculating the effect of your words and behavior on those who do not share your faith. In practical terms, what does it really mean to “glorify God?” It means to “make Him look good.” Be assured that all OUTSIDERS really have an internal hunger to be INSIDERS insofar as true joy, peace, love, and deliverance from sin are concerned. If people could catch even a small glimpse of the “mystery of Christ” (4:3) in its true and balanced perspective, they would want to come aboard. I think the bottom line is that we are not to allow our speech, behavior, or lifestyle to provide outsiders with even the slightest notion that this Gospel has no value. Oh, but alas!—the behavior of some insiders would seem to cause outsiders to say, “Phooey! I sure don’t need that faith! I have enough trouble of my own!”

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. A valid point to make is that you don’t necessarily need to strive to BE a witness—you ARE a witness. You only need to determine and control the quality of your witness. So, make the most of every opportunity to demonstrate a superior way of life. Let your light shine by the way you live.

LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE ALWAYS FULL OF GRACE. It is only natural that a person tends to talk about what is most prominent in his mind and thoughts—what he most delights in—what he is most full of. “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). A man spaced out with fishing will talk fishing. A person obsessed with football will talk football. A person captivated by the grace of God will talk about the grace of God. Along this line I feel kind of inspired to ask you to join me in singing that great song WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS. (You don’t have to stand…unless you want to.)

KNOW HOW TO ANSWER EVERYONE. This line sounds a lot like what Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Good advice.