I hate to start each post by lamenting how things were so much better “back in the day”, but it seems in many ways as though they were. But that is from my perspective. And if you were to confront me with actual facts, as opposed, I guess, with inactual facts, I’m realistic enough to know that my mind may be changed. Maybe its not that things were better, per se, but simply different. To those of us that are more comfortable continuing well established patterns, i.e. stubborn, different is worse. This is patently ridiculous, obviously. The 2019 Porsche 911 is different in many significant ways than its 1963 predecessor. It is exponentially more powerful, refined, comfortable, and safer. It also costs a wheelbarrow full of money more than the original did. It’s basic shape remains similarish, and has become iconic. It is most assuredly different, and most reasonable, logical people would say much better. That said, there is a charm and mystique inherent in the 911’s forefather. While simplistic almost to the point of being austere, its purpose in existing was to offer the driving enthusiast a vehicle that handled well, was relatively quick, and didn’t require an inheritance to afford. At its core, today’s 911 is every bit the 911 as the original, and vice versa. “There is no substitute”, as their slogan says.
What, you may wonder, does this have to do with ugly sweaters? Very little, thank you very much! The whole ugly sweater thing started organically. Manufacturers made and retail outlets sold holiday sweaters that were often “devoid of aesthically pleasing attributes”. They were, to be more succinct, coyote ugly. As an aside, the next time you see a coyote ugly baby, simply say that it is devoid of aesthically pleasing attributes. That’ll guarantee that you don’t get invited to the kid’s birthday party! After awhile, people would wear ugly sweaters ironically, birthing the Ugly Sweater parties. Capitalists seized the opportunity and purposely made sweaters ugly, and marketed them successfully. Gone, at least for the most part, was the free range, naturally ugly sweaters that used to roam the plains of Sears and Roebucks (remember that guy?) and Montgomery Wards, replaced by garments raised in factory textile mills and “uglied up” on purpose. The original and its neo cousin are different. Is one better? Maybe. Is the other worse? Also maybe. But again, it depends on perspective.
The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Cor. 9:19-23). He continued to say that he did it for the sake of the gospel, that which was at the core of his being; his ultimate message. When circumstances, events, and relationships varied, so did his approach. He reached out to people in the most effective way, that which was best suited for the moment. But what never changed with Paul, nor should it with us, is the gospel message we are sharing, and it needs to be at the core of all we are and do (1 Cor. 2:2). There is, after all, no substitute. So feel free to do things differently! And don’t automatically judge the differences in the methods and approaches of others as bad. They may simply be different. Look for the good and grace of God in others, and encourage that in them (1 Thes. 5:11). When necessary, correct a brother, but speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). And when we do, make sure that the plank in our own eye is removed before pointing out the splinter in our brother’s (Matt. 7:5). You see, perspective matters.
