Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear people.
A late night makes for a late morning that tends to mess up other routines. The late night followed an evening dinner cruise aboard the PORTLAND SPIRIT on the Willamette River—a fund-raiser for the BIAOR (Brain Injury Association of Oregon). The Director for this Association invited our attendance since she had some unexpected cancellations. Interesting evening along with doctors, lawyers, therapists, etc. I heard one guy exclaim to one of his friends that he just bought a Ferrari—and was having so much fun with it that he promptly got 4 traffic tickets in 4 days. I seldom rub shoulders in such a setting. But I was not afflicted with a speck of envy toward the Ferrari guy—as compared with my ’97 Camry with over 313,000 miles on it—and paid for.
All I did was write a couple things down on my yellow pad, and suddenly my pen effortlessly spit out 13 more entries. In other words, there’s not much room for fishing as I face the demands of the day.
Blessings on your day—rain and all.
Love, Dad/Ray.
I’m trying to recall the words to that noble-sounding, moving, and dramatic song about an impossible dream—and unreachable star. If I just went online and “Googled” it, I’m sure I could get it all in a snap. But without doing that, here are some parts I do remember: “This is my quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far. And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest that the world will be better by far when I’m laid to my rest…to right the unrightable wrong, to fight the unbeatable foe, to strive with my last ounce of courage, to reach the impossible star.” Can you hear the orchestra crescendo—and the singer hitting that emotional high note? It’s sensational! But, having said all that, I’m inclined to judge it basically as a bunch of idealistic and theatrical nonsense. I won’t take a lot of time to take the message apart. It certainly contains some misconceptions and portrays a worldview that is not compatible with my Biblical faith. It’s definitely not my theme song. I can’t seem to get very excited about committing my life to such an abstract, nebulous, and hopeless objective. Anyway, for some reason that song comes to my mind in contrast to what is presented in this great appeal and charge that Paul delivers to young Timothy.
Just in case you are looking for a great and truly noble quest in life, a cause to live and die for, an edifying contribution to the world, and one that is also achievable, look no further. I think it is quite well articulated for us right here. “But you, man of God, flee from all this (false doctrines, pride, love of money, etc.), and pursue righteousness (a right response to God’s Word), godliness (striving to follow God in your beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyle), faith (believing God enough to obey Him), love (‘agape’ love that is an act of the will), endurance (hanging in there with all the above), and gentleness (strength under control). Fight the good fight of faith (Faith is a fight—Ephesians 6). Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses (so that your life remains a demonstration of your claims)” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
But there is an unavoidable catch here! This too is an impossible dream for me—and an unreachable star—if left to my own resources. It can only be fulfilled by means of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). I simply can’t do it on my own. But “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). He is truly my SAVIOR! Praise Him!