Inspired

"I've been reading P.G. Wodehouse," said Chippy as he plopped into the chair opposite Lord Liverwurst.

"You don't say," he replied without lifting his eyes from his hog futures. Every good man faces his share of unsolicited commentary and Lord Liverwurst would weather it with the fortitude of Noah among the landlubbers.

"It has inspired me as nothing before," Chippy continued. "Fortunately, my sharp wits are well suited for spinning a lively story. I've resolved to publish something myself."

"Fortunate indeed."

"Just this morning I delivered to consignment the old dresser, the sofa, and the dining room table. A man needs liquidity to finance this sort of venture."

"How does your mother feel about it?"

"Oh, she'll be thrilled. I'll explain it all when she returns next week. When the royalties start pouring she'll be eating with new silver!" Chippy clapped.

"That should compensate for having to dine on the floor," Lord Liverwurst agreed.

"Exactly!"

"And if it doesn't pan out?"

"Nothing to worry about, I've got the knack for it."

"It will be sad if it doesn't come through."

"Well, of course."

"For you I mean," said Lord Liverwurst.

"My mother would be broken up," nodded Clippy.

"If you think so."

"She'd be in tears for me."

"Yes, she'll be in tears."

"Ah, there's nothing to fear. I think I'll tuck in to a sandwhich before I go bang it out this afternoon," said Chippy thumbing through his wallet.

"Help yourself," Lord Liverwurst encouraged him.

Clarity and its Right Object

How highly doubt is regarded today. Doubt is lauded as the center of the "scientific" mindset, but this center is sadly misplaced. Critical thinking does not first proceed from doubt but from confidence, confidence that there is order in the working of things, that there is a right function of things, and thus that analysis will prove fruitful. This confidence cannot proceed from purposelessness as from the primordial ooze for how can you hold a measuring stick against nothingness. Rather it must proceed from a prior belief in an understandable cosmos.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-17

God has nothing to do with doubt. Since he has revealed the truth in Christ the clear speaking of that truth is of the highest value. Peter, writing before his imminent death, expressed his firm desire that Jesus' teaching be easily remembered.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.... Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.... And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. II Peter 1:3a, 12, 15

John likewise leaves no question that his objective for his reader is confidence, not doubt (emphasis mine).

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. I John 5:13-15

And what is this reference to "his will"?

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:9-12

Throw off all doubt! Believe with confidence in Christ that you will be saved and gain confidence in his salvation by praying his love and living it out. How truly we can affirm the words of Solomon, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."