Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear ones, on this drizzling Sunday morning.

Other than daylight that diffuses through the clouds, there is no evidence of sun—even though it’s a SUNday. I guess it’s a matter of faith that the sun is up there somewhere—even though I can’t see it. Transliterate “sun” for “SON”—and suddenly we have a sermon illustration.

With a little shot of starting fluid, the tiller started on the first crank. But there were other problems and challenges—and I was never able to actually use it. Among other things, I had to repair a bunch of air leaks in a tire. I decided to try some stuff I’ve never used before—a tire sealant called SLIME. It’s not very cheap ($8.99 @ BiMart) but seemed to work pretty good.

We’re 35 minutes away from heading for church with two little boys—three counting Thano. I had better get to the house and see how frazzled Gramma Becki is.

Blessings on your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

This is what I would call a PROBLEM TEXT. I’ve spent a good deal of time struggling with it over the years, having lived cross-culturally where, if I followed this statement as a broad-brush guide for behavior, I know I would end up with being ripped off and left with absolutely nothing—maybe less than nothing. That can hardly be a wise approach to stewardship.

A couple of comments on the context might be helpful. Notice the two main ideas on either side of this statement by Jesus. (1) This paragraph begins with identifying the kind of people Jesus is talking about. They are “your enemies” and “those who hate you” and “those who curse you” and “those who mistreat you” (6:27-28). Interesting. So in the course of doing business or whatever with this kind of people and you have no means for proper arbitration in gaining justice and equity, write it off—don’t worry about it. Just maintain the foundation of love—“Love your enemies.” (2) The paragraph ends with the “GOLDEN RULE.” “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (6:31). OK, I don’t really want to rip anyone off—and I don’t want to be ripped off. That’s a standard I can live with.

I’d like to pick up on this area of thought and offer some ideas relative to giving in general. I’ve come up with a simple checklist of three conditions for general giving. (1) Is this is a legitimate need? Not everyone who asks for help has a legitimate need. I’ve been around my share of con artists who live not by honest work and responsibility but by milking others of their graciousness. I am absolutely convinced that I am not rendering any good service to others by giving or lending in those cases. I believe I do more harm than good if I recognize that the “help” given promotes and perpetuates irresponsibility. (2) Do I have ample to give? It’s crazy to be giving away what I need to meet my own obligations. (3) Am I motivated by LOVE?—a genuine interest and investment in the ultimate good of others.

This may not be very “devotional,” but I think it is practical, balanced, reasonable, and Biblical.