Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear people.

Another bright sunny morning out this window. There is much to do and pursue in this little capsule of time called today.

I’m not sure if I made the very best use of all my time yesterday, but I achieved some basic objectives. I finally opted to go for retrieving the windsurf gear. One strategy to help substantiate the trip was to deliver saw mill blades to Wood Mizer at Wood Village for resharpening…which is very close to where we did the sailing. I went first to the sand and gravel place and told the office lady what I had done, expressed appreciation for the help their worker had given last night, and requested permission to go down the bank on their compound to get the sailboard. She called a foreman in the yard, gave me a hardhat and hi-viz vest, and told me to go meet the guy. The first thing he said to me when he saw me was, “Aren’t you a little old for this?” I responded, “Yes…but why should I let that stop me?” Smile. He showed me where to park…and said I didn’t have to be in a hurry. So I went down the bank prepared to get wet again. After changing, (…and I didn’t figure I needed the hardhat and vest while on the river) I used a simple little double-ended paddle I had made to paddle the board back across to the island. I had no trouble locating the sail. Rather than disassemble it, I decided to reassemble it and try sailing back across as there was a tiny bit of wind. It worked OK till the middle of the channel where the wind died to nothing. Phooey! Back to paddling…after sitting on the board a while to take the sail apart. No problem. After changing and hauling everything up to the truck, I returned the hardhat and vest and thanked the lady. They had been watching me (not the clothes-changing part)…amused.

Regarding the incident last night, I wish to clarify that I never did regard myself as being in serious danger. I suppose the way I described things yesterday may have implied that I was in great peril. Sure, I had some irregular challenges…but it was a simple matter of solving problems as they rose. The worst “mishap” of the evening was what my situation did to Greyson. I knew I was OK, but he didn’t. It was understandable that he acted accordingly.

Are you ready for the episode of your own adventure of today? As you take it on, make sure you stay in touch with your Maker. Blessings.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Paul testifies to a condition of his mind and conscience that I believe few humans ever come to experience—a clear conscience. He is quick to add that his clear conscience is not necessarily a guarantee of perfection and innocence. But I really believe that such a condition of heart and mind will go a very long way toward giving a person protection, poise, and peace amidst the struggles of life.

I know one thing for sure—if I were to surrender my conscience to the control and manipulation of other people, I would quickly become a psychological basket case. I am stabilized by my understanding of who I am and to Whom I am ultimately accountable. That’s what Paul means when he says, “It is the Lord who judges me.” Furthermore, I believe that A HEART AFTER GOD automatically sets up my disciple’s communication service account with an “APP” or connection to the Lord’s flawless surveillance system that prods my motivation to keep my conscience clear. Why would I want to violate my conscience connection when I know it is my God-given built-in warning system against displeasing my Lord?—the One Whom I have chosen to love above all else, and to Whom I am ultimately accountable?

There is some very important instruction and information given here. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God” (4:5)—or His rebuke—or worse.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19), he offers this young man some guidance and injects a serious warning that can benefit all of us. “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction…fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.”

I trust you will agree—you don’t want your faith to be a shipwreck!