Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear people.

No walk or jog this morning. But Becki and I took a lot of time to talk and expound to each other over the Bible reading. The result is that I forced myself to compose a fresh devotional below. I hope it qualifies as a devotional. You have probably noticed that most of the essays I’ve been pumping out of late are from the archives of a few years ago. I won’t claim that my exposition is flawless—or that my opinions are perfect. But it’s an attempt at grappling with what I think are some important ideas.

I found myself in a little bit of crisis last evening when I decided to take some time to drop three standing dead trees at the property where I’ve been sawmilling. Two of the dead critters fell easily. But the third was a huge tree with a 36” base and I’ll estimate about 150’ tall. Besides the bulk of the tree itself, there had to be a good ton of ivy growing up the tree, which probably contributed to its death. It had a very slight lean the wrong way, but I hoped that my wedges would overpower the lean. They didn’t. I needed help—and fast—before any wind kicks up. I decided to scramble home to load up my track hoe and haul it down there asap to apply its hydraulic pressure and push it over. We finally got it to fall the right way well after dark. What a relief to see that baby on the ground! Whew! If it had fallen the way it kind of leaned, it would have smashed a cabin.

A late breakfast is awaiting me—followed by a pile of work. Have fun doing your stuff today.

Love, Dad/Ray.

My opinion is that there is no such thing as an unbiased opinion. So I will proceed to give you some of my biased opinion.

No one in all of human history has lived with such an expanse of technology as we have today. Much of this technology that would be absolutely mind-boggling for our ancestors is absolutely commonplace for us today. Nevertheless, some things remain unchanged—like the need for eating food, digestion, elimination, and hygiene. But even here, technology tends to invade natural needs to impact our lives in ways that are not all good.

Becki and I have generally embraced the opinion that it is safest for us to eat as close to the garden as possible—that is, to avoid the tampering of modern technology with the food we eat—steering away from processed food as much as reasonably possible. This is not to say that we are against technology. But we believe that care must be taken to avoid allowing modern technology to militate against the God-designed nutritional value of pure unadulterated food.

Can there be a parallel between food and faith? We believe so. And our opinion is that it is safest for us to believe and live as close to the Bible as reasonably possible.

Consider Jesus’ words to Nicodemas where He says, “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man…that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (3:13-15). So my Bible-biased opinion is that I should be suspicious of anyone claiming to have gone to heaven. Furthermore, I don’t think my Biblical faith is deprived of nutritional value concerning heaven because I have not read the book “HEAVEN IS FOR REAL” or seen the movie. I tend to resist the idea that modern theatrical technology can make my Biblical faith better. Furthermore, I even resisted getting on the faddish bandwagon of going to see Mel Gibson’s “PASSION OF THE CHRIST”—as though Hollywood is even capable of getting it entirely right.

My opinion is that the core question comes down to this: WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO BELIEVE IN HIM? After all, BELIEVING IN HIM is what determines the salvation equation that qualifies me for eternal life. I also ask, is it possible to be distracted or preoccupied with heaven, visions of the crucifixion, miracles, prophecy, Israel, blood moons, spiritual warfare, the prayer of Jabez, or whatever, and all the while be deficient in BELIEVING IN HIM? My opinion says yes, it is possible. So back to the question: WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO BELIEVE IN HIM? My best opinion cannot avoid the conclusion that truly BELIEVING IN HIM is more than a casual part-time recognition, or conformity to popular Christian trends, but a constant practical ongoing relationship of embracing Jesus Christ as my personal 24/7 SAVIOR and LORD—impacting everything I think, say, and do.

So—do you have a better biased opinion?