Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear people.

It doesn’t look like I’m going to get my jog in this morning. There’s too much to squeeze into this morning. I need to run into Portland to get some sign supplies for applying a set of graphics to a big rig truck right away. And Thano is twisting my arm to pick up a bunch more t-shirts for his t-shirt printing project.

The devotional below is another that I’m recycling from my 2010 series. I took my own advice and sang out big and loud here in the studio the song WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS…all three verses with choruses. What a great song! I’m free to make a lot of noise here without disturbing anyone. But Max was here in his little bed…and I caught him intently looking at me with some concern…asking, “Are you OK?” I’m fine, Max. I’m just engaging in a little facet of my required RENEWING.

Blessings on your course today. Keep singing that song.

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.