Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear ones
Another warm summer day…containing lots of work. I have someone coming in a half hour to look at some special wood…and I’m still in my jog togs.
I finally downloaded some photos from my camera and can attach one here to give an idea of the project that consumed so much of my time and attention…a mural frame…installed at Fox Park in Molalla…showing the featured “artist” finishing up his application.
Have a great day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
This matter of judging meets with a lot of misunderstanding and controversy. There are those who would like to make a blanket judgment by quoting, “Judge not that ye be not judged.” They are the ones who really don’t do enough of the right kind of judging, and overlook all manner of violations to Biblical ethics and morality within themselves and their ranks. Then there are those who get fanatical about their developing a hard line package of dogma which the use for judging and impose all kinds of rigid standards for behavior on everyone, particularly those of their own group.
Let’s assume that Paul’s judgment is right judgment as he reprimands the Corinthian church fellowship for being too accommodating of “sloppy agape” (love without boundaries) over a case of incest within their group. That which sets us apart from the world, Paul affirms, is the moral compass that God provides in the form of His Word—the Bible. So while we are required to heed that compass in order to stay on course and maintain a healthy relationship with our Lord, as well as to protect the integrity of our mission and message, we are not in a position to impose every form of Biblical morality upon the culture at large.
Consider this example: If a group makes up a new game that utilizes the court and equipment of tennis, but modifies the established rules, it may be a game with similarities to tennis—but it’s not really tennis. Tennis has a set of universally accepted rules. The only way to play REAL tennis is to play by those rules.
Make a commitment to play by the essential rules of the Kingdom—and be ready to make careful Biblical judgments regarding those who violate them—especially those who also claim to be members of the Kingdom—including you.