The following article is the substance of a letter written by brother Jim Upton, an elder at the assembly in metropolitan Minneapolis, MN. It was written as a solemn but loving appeal to a fellow workmate as Jim was taking his retirement from the company.
Joe,
We have worked together now for quite a few years and on many different projects. You have taught me many things and I think we have had some fun working and learning–at least I have. Somehow, our thinking and ideas have often meshed together and sometimes even been identical! And we’ve laughed about it, along with others who’ve noticed it. Seriously, I have felt honored whenever that has happened–honored since your insights and knowledge are so exceptional and trusted. That’s a fact, known throughout the company and beyond. For me to be linked with you in these technical things has been very special to me.
Further, I feel that our working together has been more than just on a business/technical basis; it’s been personal and I’ve really appreciated that. Since I’m retiring now (though not planning to leave the company completely), I felt this might be a good time to say “Thanks much, Joe–thanks so very much.”
But there’s another reason for sending you this note, and that is regarding something much more important than technology, medical devices–even hunting–and really, everything else people do. And that is, one’s personal relationship with God. I know we talked about this once and you became uncomfortable, so I stopped. I’ve thought about you regarding these matters hundreds of times, but respected your feelings on this topic and kept quiet, though silence on this issue so crucial to my friend, Joe, was difficult for me each time. Perhaps, through this personal note I can again speak without causing you too much discomfort.
Joe, when I look around, I see the marks of an intelligent Designer everywhere. When we discuss the things of mechanics, metallurgy, or whatever, we look for reasons why it works that way, and so often you suggest probable or possible answers–citing theory and/or test findings. These logical scenarios you propose, most often when tested out, prove to be right on target. The company, all of us on the project, and most importantly, our patients have benefitted many, many times. However, numerous things have remained beyond our full understanding. We accept that without embarrassment because we know that we really understand only very little in the whole scheme of things.
When we tackle a new, significant problem, we demand of ourselves that we evaluate it in a logical, systematic way, using valid science; a guess is not good enough–too risky. But we know that there is a logical, sensible solution and that if we had all the facts we could probably find the solution. That’s because the material world is dependable. It conforms to consistent, reliable principles. Could this occur without an active, intelligent designer–or may I say–Designer?
Joe, I don’t believe so; to conclude otherwise is to think in a way that we don’t allow ourselves to do in our daily work–at least you haven’t let me get by with it in the past!
I’m convinced that there must be a Designer. Ideas to the contrary just don’t make sense and defy true science in spite of all the “intellectual” persuasions advanced these days–presented with more heat than light.
To a Designer that has given us such a magnificent universe, operating on physical laws and principles which are consistent and dependable throughout its measureless extent down to the core of its tiniest feature, we struggle little in applying the word “infinite.” Kepler, amazed at his conclusions from astronomical observations (later to become Kepler’s laws), said: “O God, to think that I’m having Thy thoughts after Thee.”
Joe, as I (as we?) think of some of the metallurgical and physical things we have studied over the years at the company, we may, I believe, easily come to a similar sense of awe in the Designer as Kepler did. From this, it is really such a small step to sensing that this Infinite One has more in mind and more to offer than just a material creation, even with all its fascination.
Yes, even more than just the marvelous human body we each possess–and which we in our research have special opportunities to ponder. Beyond the material side of man there is his ability to think, to reason, to postulate, to sense, to have capabilities of emotion and abstract thinking–and much more. Only by including in our thinking a perfect (i.e., holy) God as the Infinite Designer, can we come close to explaining the existence of a human being in all his aspects.
Can you or I or any other human, no matter how intelligent and talented, through laboratory tests, skillful calculations and deductions, or surveys of society’s thinking ever truly know anything more than just the very surface of this Infinite God? We can’t. We need more…we desperately need more.
Where does that leave us? With God being discernable but unknowable? With His plans for man and for His purpose and destiny forever shrouded, kept from man in a dark mystery? If so, then we might well question His infinite perfection in limiting Himself to placing man in a world, setting him going, and doing nothing more with him–letting him dangle in nothingness interminably.
Is there another option to Him remaining unknowable by man’s investigations? Yes: self-revelation. God reserves the right to show Himself only to those who are serious seekers.
The Bible is that self-revelation. Often people, knowing little of the Bible, don’t like the God they see. But as we learn a little more of what’s in the Bible, we begin to see a little more of who God really is and what His attributes are. The more we know of the Bible, the more we understand God.
Not only does the Bible reveal God, it tells about man and his nature. It articulates God’s plan for man’s best, both for now and for eternity. That’s why it’s so important–not only to me but to many, many others and, really, everyone. That’s why we have sent out invitations to the immediate neighborhood around our church building (in Coon Rapids) for some special meetings; we have also included a little booklet (“THE BIBLE”) in these mailings. We deeply want people to know the good news about God; about the Lord Jesus Christ and His death on the cross which has given the opportunity for “whosoever” to have the life God gives and have their sins put away to God’s satisfaction.
I’m sure you know that my interest in you is deeper than just being a friend and a long-time co-worker. For that reason I’m sending you the same information that we’ve mailed out–I believe that you live outside our mailing area. I would like to see you come to the meetings; no obligation, of course. No change in our friendship if you don’t either! Perhaps you and your wife could both come.
If you come or not, I’d like the opportunity to talk to you on these vital things, Joe. Is that possible? I’ll buy lunch–or is that unfair persuasion?!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Jim