Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good evening, dear people.

Whew! Another big day. Solid busy. So much so that I nearly overlooked sending this again.

After I send this, I think we’ll be running into town for some Chinese food. Care to join us? We’ll be at Lui’s.

Good night. Blessings.

Love, Dad/Ray.

There’s a huge amount of inspiration and instruction packed into this paragraph between verses 10 and 17. I must be selective so that I don’t get too carried away and write a book. I’m choosing to highlight just two ideas that I think are worth mentioning.

1. The importance of role modeling.
2. The importance of setting in place a kind of contractual agreement with yourself concerning what you believe and the course you will follow.

Let’s look again at the whole of verse 14: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.”

Paul is definitely not ashamed to say, “Look at me. Follow me. Imitate me.” Take another look at 1:13 and 2:2 just as nearby examples. And this very paragraph begins this way: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” It is very appropriate to identify someone in your life who clearly demonstrates an admirable and successful godly life, and set yourself to following their example.

May I offer this tidbit of advice: Be cautious about selecting role models that are still living. Why? Because the way they die is often one of the most profound testimonies to their life quality. There are too many who appear to be doing commendably, but later reveal that they have been duplicitous all along—or flub up bad before they hit the finish line. This word of caution is supported in our recent reading of Hebrews 13:7 and 8: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ (our Supreme Role Model) is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

I have had to deal with some condemnatory presumption in the course of my life from those who would judge me as being a Christian simply because my parents were Christian. They insist that I am just a product of my environment. While I am grateful for my heritage, I am definitely not a believer for only that reason. I have had to come to the personal crossroads of decision, just like everyone else. I have become convinced for myself that this is truth.

Once you establish for yourself this faith and belief as truth, I suggest that you not leave it at that. I recommend that you set a kind of contract with yourself. It’s a firm internal agreement that says, “This is what I believe. This is the course I will follow. I will not be distracted or detoured for any reason.” Then set up markers along the way that will remind you of this contract. You’ll need to review it often. Without such a foundation for facing your future, I think it is just too easy to become overwhelmed and confused by all kinds of stuff while navigating the traffic of life—and get disoriented as to who you are, what you’re doing, and where you’re going.

Think about it.