Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, friends.

Becki used an umbrella this morning when we did our little walk/jog excursion. Dandy and I left ours home.

There’s a lot on my table. Actually, there are a couple 2’x10’ sign panels on the work table here in my studio that I plan to install today. Hope that goes OK. There are some other big sign panels in the main shop that I need to move out to offer some space for some urgent wood working. I may even get to some unfinished sawing at my sawmill. That remains to be seen.

May you be able to look back on today and call it “blessed.”

Love to all—Ray.

This is not the first time John has addressed the readers as “dear children.” He does so often. I suppose it could imply more than one thing. It indicates that John is now an old guy, knowing that his window of time and influence is getting smaller with time. I can identify with that. It indicates that his concern for those younger and less experienced is motivated by love and compassion, like a father is concerned for the success of his children. And I think it indicates a literary attempt to achieve the equivalent of as much personal eye-contact as possible. He is not just addressing unknown readers—he has personally fellowshipped with these people, likely heard their testimonies, and felt their struggles.

“Keep yourselves from idols,” is the very last line of this letter. Why would he end that way? It has to mean something important to John. At first hearing it sounds like a “no brainer.” After all, we have no interest in going somewhere to worship an idol, or in setting up one or more in our homes. That’s just raw paganism. Surely John knows that these believers are not engaging in syncretism where they just add Christianity to their background of pagan practices. The practical importance of this warning to believers comes through when we understand the basic psycho-spiritual mindset that drives idolatry—causing one to substitute anyone, anything, any pleasure, any activity, any ideology, or anything else, for heart-level worship and devotion to the One True God Who has so extravagantly demonstrated His love, grace, and plan for man. By that standard, there can be a new car idol, new house idol, fishing idol, football idol, more-money idol, relationship idol, keep-up-with-the-neighbors idol, sex idol, food idol, health idol, even ministry idol—they can come in all different sizes and shapes. And while some can be quite acceptable on their own, even desirable, any one of them can render the effect of an idol if it impedes or substitutes for serving and/or worshiping our Maker, Savior, and Lord above all else.

As I get my little head wrapped around this concept, I have no hesitation over repeating John’s warning—“Keep yourselves from idols!”