Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear people.
It’s already been a full half day. And I’m already feeling a need for my old man nap. At least I don’t get so carried away with those time-outs as to put on my pajamas—as I heard was the daily routine of Winston Churchill. But, then, I never wear pajamas anyway—so that doesn’t raise much temptation.
Don’t forget your own nap. You’re entirely free to put on pajamas if you want to. The Supreme Court hasn’t made any rulings on that one yet. But don’t hold your breath. However you do it, try to have a great rest of your day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
It deserves repeating that we are all building projects under construction. Some build well by heeding the blueprint of God’s Word. Some build poorly—even though they may look nice. And even those projects that are built well may meet circumstances that require some demolition and/or remodeling. Paul makes it clear that no one can alter the vital foundation that is provided us in our reception of the Gospel of Christ. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (3:11). But there is a broad spectrum of building materials and styles available that one may incorporate into his building project to suit tastes, preferences, choices, personality, etc. However, care and wisdom are called for because every structure will be tested over time—and how it holds up under such testing determines its value and quality. Does it survive, or does it fail?
Paul indicates that the “Day” reveals quality, and “fire” does the testing. While there is a strong inference that the “Day” speaks of the “Day of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:2) “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10), I think it is also valid to give it a practical spin in this sense: The DAY can represent the practical application of every person’s materials of choice while living in this earthly dimension. Within those time boundaries there are sure to be “fiery trials which are to try you” (KJV, 1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4). All I know is that the lasting quality of every person’s building (faith) is not to be judged by mere appearances, claims, talk, or good intentions. It is proven by the real-life experiences of faith that survive trouble, opposition, and difficulty over time.
Please give your building frequent inspections.