Images from Elena Bulatova Fine Art Gallery
Last week, Welk Resorts “gifted” us with two free nights—IF we submitted to a one-hour sales presentation. Sheila’s highlight: hitting the shops along El Paseo in Palm Desert on our last day. Yeah, she succumbed to temptation. My highlight: spending those two hours ambling from art gallery to gallery. In the Elena Bulatova Fine Art Gallery, I turned a corner and saw a unique pic of Marilyn Monroe—a crush from my junior high days. I stepped to the center of the painting, and it became one of Chanel #5. Another, and it became Audrey Hepburn. Both ladies blowing a bubble gum bubble.
One piece of art, three distinct images. Bam! Efi Mashiah blew me away with his expertise. Yes, I resisted, but barely. And as I talked to Inbar, the lady running the gallery, I realized the trinity painting could become a post, one linked to our last.
Perhaps we could be more kind if we tried to see all sides. Not that we agree, not that we deny our beliefs, but that we have an honest commitment to get their point of view. At first, the only image was Marilyn. Then Chanel. Then Audrey. But the same picture.
Paul exemplified seeing all sides upon entering Athens in Acts 17. A pretty sketchy city well known for its prostitutes, some who wore sandals leaving the imprint “Follow me” in the dust. Athens had a multitude of gods, and in fear of leaving one out, they dedicated an idol “to an unknown god.”
Grieving deeply when seeing the Athenians’ distance from the true God, he crafted a marvelous speech. He wove in their religion. He quoted their writers. He spoke with love for them. Why? He had taken the time to know their beliefs and culture. Not only did he see the idolatry and prostitution, but he saw they valued religion. And having that broader perspective, he shared Jesus with them.
If we value knowing the full truth, reality, then we need to slow down our evaluation process so we can see all sides of an issue. If I’d stopped after seeing Marilyn, I’d never seen the Chanel nor Hepburn. I’d missed the marvel of all three in one.
Solomon agreed, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him” (Proverbs 18:17).
A fairly simple procedure, actually. We hear something, determine the topic, and check it out. We look for credible sources. We evaluate the evidence presented. We check if the evidence supports their claim. We ask questions. We listen. Yes, that does take some time and work. But isn’t getting the full picture worth it?
And when our opponents discover we care about them as a person, that we know our stuff and the topic, then they’re more apt to listen and respond. Now, here’s my bias that helps me to work this process. I believe that truth is inherently stronger than untruth, when presented fairly. We need not fear listening to others. We might even learn something. 😊
Kick Starting the Application
Typically, on the proverbial scale of one to ten, with ten being best, how frequently do you take the time to learn all sides of an issue or another’s position before evaluating it? Would our God of truth like you to change that? What most keeps you from checking it all out? Would it be wise to ask God for insights on this, and maybe do a Bible study on truth?