January 15, 2025

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

The True

I Was Watching

“I was watching.”

Those were the central words proclaimed by my brother-in-law this week as he eulogized his mother. He shared how his mom had left him an inheritance far more meaningful than money or possessions, and that when she, along with his dad, had consistently and faithfully prioritized service to those around him, it had left its mark on him. It had been a lesson more caught than taught, and it is one he will continue to lean on for a lifetime.

Two questions come to mind, and I invite you to ask them in light of your own life today:

1) Who are you watching, and what do you see?

2) Who is watching you, and what do they see?

First, who are you watching? Ideally, you have a parent or parents who—like my mother-in-law—have modeled a walk with Jesus for you. If so, treasure that! Walk in their example and build upon the imperfect-yet-yielded example of that inheritance! What a gift! But if not, find someone whose life you can watch and draft behind! Decline to be saddled with the mistakes of those who have gone before you. Set your eyes upon that which should be emulated and embodied!

Next, who is watching you? There is a good chance you are tempted to say, “Nobody.” Many of us assume that nobody is modeling their life after our example. But that assumption is wrong. Much like my brother-in-law shared about his mom, someone is watching you, and they are learning—for good or for ill—how to comport themselves and how to interact with the world.

Who is watching you? What do they currently see, and perhaps more to the point, what can you do today to ensure what they see on a consistent basis is a life that points back to the One through whom we are all invited to the Father (Jn. 14:6)?

This is anything but a burdensome endeavor! What liberating purpose to realize your life can be built on the firm foundations of the faithful around you, and then in turn offered as support to the next generation of those who will advance the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Glory!

As you walk with this measure of humility and teachability, you will in turn be leading a life about which others, when eulogizing you, will say, “I was watching!”

U.S.

Raging Fires

At least 25 people are dead and thousands of homes destroyed as numerous wildfires continue to rage in California. In the Los Angelos area alone, four separate fires have burned more than 60 square miles, and continue to elude containment and threaten life and limb. While the primary efforts remain focused on rescue and containment, officials are also working to determine a cause for each fire.

Analysis and eternal perspective: This story is a stark and sobering reminder that everything of this Earth—including our life—can be lost in a moment. Tens of thousands of Californians find themselves suddenly displaced or without a home, and millions of Californians remain under the threat of the ongoing fires.

While there is precious little that can be done to prevent this kind of threat to physical property, Jesus spoke very specifically in the Sermon on the Mount about how to build a life on a foundation in Him that would withstand life’s storms and challenges (Matt. 7:24-27).

How much of your time and mental energy is spent worrying about things that will pass away? If you are like me, the answer is a great deal! As you pray for—and act on behalf of—those being impacted by the fires, take inventory of where you can better allocate your time and treasure!

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

U.S.

Conviction, Discharge, Resignation, and Inauguration

A whirlwind of legal activity is wrapping up in advance of President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration:

- New York Justice Juan Merchan issued an “unconditional discharge” of President-elect Trump’s felony conviction related to falsifying business records pertaining to payments made to Stormy Daniels. In effect, the ruling means that President-elect Trump will not incur any penalty for the conviction, an outcome that was essentially sealed upon his reelection to the White House.

- Special Counsel Jack Smith, who had been tasked with investigating cases pertaining to President-elect Trump’s handling of classified information and election interference, resigned upon completion of those assignments.

- The Department of Justice released the Special Counsel’s final report.

In a way, these events together mark the end of a chapter and set the stage for next week’s reinauguration of the President-elect for a second non-consecutive term in the White House.

Analysis and eternal perspective: This story is perhaps the most difficult current event for any of us to view objectively. That makes it one of the best opportunities for us to lean into one of our primary goals, which is having a discerning heart and mind about world events (2 Tim. 1:7). If you support President-elect Trump, you may be inclined to dismiss the findings of the court and the Special Counsel. If you oppose President-elect Trump, you may be inclined to dismiss the will of the electorate. Both of these temptations, if accepted, would short-circuit your ability to think critically about this story and the many more that will surround it.

As we so often do here at The Equipped, take a moment to, a) Candidly consider the underlying evidence, taking particular care to consider the perspective you are disinclined to share (Pr. 18:17), and b) Fervently consider how you can respond in a way that heals wounds and points toward flourishing (Ps. 147:3, Jer. 29:5-7).

The vast majority of commentary around this story will invite you to be outraged about the shortcomings of “the other side.” A much healthier approach is to humbly consider the evidence on all sides, and to then walk into the days ahead equipped with an honest understanding about all that has transpired.

Finally, remember that your task of carrying the Gospel into your world for the purpose of flourishing is far more important than anyone’s opinion about any politician’s actions, and you serve a God who grants wisdom and knowledge to those who seek it, even as kings and kingdoms rise and fall (Dan. 2:21).

World

Grieving and Hope

The bodies of two Israelis held hostage by Hamas were discovered in tunnels beneath Gaza this week. The remains were identified as a father and son, Yosef Al-Ziyadnah and Hamza Al-Ziyadnah, both of whom were kidnapped alive by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Meanwhile, reports yet again suggest that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and a release of the remaining hostages may be nearing an agreement. This has been the case on numerous previous occasions, so there is understandable skepticism about whether a final deal will be both agreed to and honored by all sides.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The October 7, 2023 attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel unleashed a wave of suffering, particularly for those who were taken hostage and their families. More than 150 hostages have been recovered (40 of whom are deceased) and nearly 100 remain in captivity (more than 30 of whom are presumed deceased). It is easy for this to become an exercise of numbers, but each number is attached to a name and a precious soul created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). This reality should remain ever-present in our hearts and minds, and should compel us to both pray for the hostages and their families as well as speak out for their release.

As for the ceasefire negotiations, Jesus followers are called to pursue peace (Ps. 34:14) and defend the oppressed (Is. 1:17). In the current conflict—which has been waging in some form for thousands of years—we should remain mindful that a true and lasting peace will only be fully achieved in eternity. In the meantime, our mandate is to be ambassadors of peace and advocates for the persecuted.

The Beautiful

Morning Light

There is something particularly beautiful and reinvigorating about morning light, as the sun makes yet another new appearance to announce the beginning of a new day. Proverbs 4:18 likens it to the life of a yielded Jesus follower:

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Pr. 4:18).

The light in your life may be faint at times. Hold on! It will grow steadily brighter and reveal the beautiful completed work of God in you!