June 19, 2024

Viewing all things through the lens of the True and the beautiful!

The True

The Logo

Jerry West, the Hall of Fame basketball player whose image is widely considered to be the inspiration for the National Basketball Association (NBA) logo, died this week at the age of 86. The basketball world mourned his passing, but his legacy will live on in a very unique way as a result of the league’s logo.

It was with the news of West’s passing in mind that I noticed a new (or at least new-to-me) tv ad proclaiming, “Our truth is always evolving.”

West’s legacy is so robust it leaves behind a literal image that brands an entire sport. It is an indelible mark made by a life of contributions.

The ad depicts an ever-changing vapor of aspiration that is surely well-intended, but woefully misguided and impossible to attain. It left me awash with grief at the confusion and disappointment that would surely result from adhering to the message.

The dictionary definition of “truth” speaks repeatedly of certainty, and includes the following entries:

- the body of real things, events, and facts

- the state of being the case

- a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality

- fidelity to an original or to a standard

In other words, the power of truth comes from the fact it is unchanging. It is constant. It is sure. When all else in your world crumbles, you can turn to Truth to sustain you, because it is real, it is tangible, and it is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

How exhausting it must be to accept, and expend yourself for, the proposition that truth is constantly evolving! Can you imagine laying claim to what is “true” one day, only to have that foundation vanish into thin air as it “evolves” into a new “truth” the next day? The result is perpetual disappointment, chronic fatigue, and unending failure.

My friends, Truth is not evolving. It is gloriously certain. It is dependable. And most importantly, it is found in the living person of Jesus Christ!

We live in a world that is pointing people toward a path destined for destruction because it is constantly “evolving.” But you have a Truth to offer that is real. A Truth that is transcendent. A Truth that has fidelity to the one and only standard.

When you see the silhouette of Jerry West, you immediately associate it with the brand of the NBA. He is literally “The Logo.”

In very much the same way, your life can provide Truth and certainty and association to those around you who desperately need it. You are an ambassador of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20), and much like Jerry West is indelibly linked to the brand of the NBA, you can be thoroughly associated with the unchanging Truth of the one true God (Matt. 5:16, Gal. 2:20).

U.S.

Pathway to Citizenship

More than half a million immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens will be offered a pathway to citizenship under the terms of a new plan announced by President Joe Biden. Details of the plan will be unveiled in the coming weeks, but will include a process by which spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years will be able to achieve citizenship without first leaving the country. A similar option is expected to be offered to children under the age of 21.

The announcement comes during a period of high illegal border crossings, and as the issues of immigration and border security are expected to play a leading role in the upcoming presidential elections.

Analysis and eternal perspective: Immigration policy is perpetually one of the most significant sticking points between the major U.S. political parties, and even within each party. During periods of divided government, there has been virtually no ability to come together to approve updated policy on related matters, even when there appears to be some consensus. While an inability to compromise across party lines is not particularly surprising, each party has also had periods of unified control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, and has still mostly resorted to executive action like the one in this story when it comes to matters of immigration and border security.

As Jesus followers, we should be mindful to carefully discern two distinct layers of engagement with this story. The first is on substantive policy. Immigration and border security policy is important, and the bitter tone surrounding these issues is reducing the quality of the policy decisions being made (or not made). No matter your perspective on the proper policy prescription, the status quo is untenable. We should be a people who faithfully seek a better way to impact this problem.

The second layer is the responsibility that is ours no matter where the policy lands. This is where Jesus followers of all political persuasions should be able to stand together. As our leaders grapple with how (or whether) to better control the border, and with who (if anyone) should be put on a pathway to citizenship, you and I are called to care for the vulnerable (Pr. 31:8) and the foreigner (Lev. 19:34, Deut. 10:19, Matt. 25:40).

The substantive debate on these issues has a measurable impact on the lives and the security of hundreds of millions of people. But even in the midst of a great divide on those substantive issues, our community should be equipped and ready to model the love of Jesus to those directly impacted.

World

Peace by Conquest

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected, a proposal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine by dramatically redrawing the map in the region. Under the terms of the offer, Ukraine would have to concede all claims to the regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. In addition, worldwide sanctions on Russia would be required to cease.

Predictably, these terms were rejected without negotiation.

Analysis and prayer: No country in the world would respond favorably to a demand to cede sovereign territory after having been invaded and engaged in a multi-year military conflict. It is certain President Putin knew as much in advance, and extended the “peace offer” as a negotiating and propaganda tool.

As the third year of war and bloodshed wages on, let us fervently remember and lift in prayer those who are suffering:

“Heavenly Father, hold close those who are suffering. Protect the innocent, comfort the grieving, and sustain the weak. Bring justice to those perpetrating evil, and may your love and light pierce the hate and darkness. While loss and mourning mark the days, may many choose eternal life in You, and look toward that day when every tear will be wiped away.”

U.S.

Unbanned

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a ruling issued by a 6-3 vote, has overturned a Trump era ban on bump stocks (a product that increases the discharge rate of certain semi-automatic firearms). The ruling finds the ban exceeded the legal definition approved by Congress nearly a decade ago. It also invites Congress to act again should it desire to outlaw bump stocks.

Analysis and eternal perspective: It is a very unusual circumstance for an ideologically divided vote by the current Supreme Court to result in the invalidation of a Trump era regulation on an issue as controversial as gun control. The Trump Administration moved to ban bump stocks after 58 people were killed in a shooting rampage in Las Vegas in 2017.

Once again, there is a substantive debate that matters here, but also a second consideration that warrants our careful deliberation. The first matter is the issue of the legality of bump stocks, and it is highly likely Congress will take up that debate again soon.

The second matter is the proper role of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Judicial Branch. It has become increasingly common for lawmakers to look to the courts to fill and interpret gaps in duly enacted law. This approach exceeds the power granted to the courts under Article III of the U.S. Constitution. Legislating is a power granted only to the elected branches—primarily to the Legislative Branch with assistance and administration from the Executive Branch.

As Jesus followers, we likely have a wide range of opinions on this underlying issue. But we can lead by example as we consider the proper public policy response, and as we comfort those impacted by violence (Lk. 4:18).

The Beautiful

Fruit or Gold?

What is truly beautiful in your life? I imagine the answers jump immediately to your mind.

Now for a harder one: Where do those beautiful things rank in your list of priorities, especially as it pertains to the way you spend your time?

Your time is limited. Spend it on the beautiful! The result will be far better than earthly gain!

“My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver” (Pr. 8:19).

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