Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings on a beautiful summer morning, dear ones.
I hear the play sounds of Thano with his two little ones. I’ve moved the shed that was just out this studio window…so I have a clearer view of the environment. I’ve already sat in a dental chair for an hour this morning…check up and cleaning. Now I need to get hammering away on my list. I won’t bore you by listing my list. Part of it has to do with preparing for our college reunion bash, beginning Friday night in Sedro-Woolley, Washington…then 3 nights on Orcas Island.
Have a blessed day. Love, Dad/Ray.
What? Doesn’t it sound like a contradiction—to have a great opportunity along with great opposition? I mean, how can a situation be one of effective ministry opportunity if it is going to be simultaneously hammered by serious conflict? But that is exactly how it works out in the course of any effective ministry where real eternal needs are being addressed. Remember—there are only two kingdoms. And when anyone truly teams up with the Kingdom of God, that person and their influence actually become a threat and enemy to the kingdom of Satan, and conflict always results. Get used to it. That’s the way it is. Paul knew that. So he wasn’t intimidated at all by the opposition. He may have even been invigorated by it—viewing it was a sign of effectiveness. He knew that the eternal issues over which the battle raged were far too big and important to permit discouragement and retreat. For an example of Paul’s perspective on this, consider again Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Please pay attention—make no mistake about it—we too are surrounded by ministry opportunities. For where there are people, there are urgent eternal needs. The battle is not over places, stuff, plants, or animals, but over ownership and control of the eternal souls and destinies of men.
As we face the battle and engage in the ministry opportunities that we meet in the course of living, Paul’s capsule of advice in verses 13 and 14 is worth taping to our mirrors and accepting as daily “marching orders.” “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”