The Slap Heard 'Round the World
Yearly, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents “the Oscars” to celebrities and those associated with film making who are recognized as making a lasting contribution to the film industry. In recent years, the program has become little more than a self-congratulatory session, accentuated with political, social, and environmental stands. It is no surprise that the world has virtually turned off the Oscars as ratings in recent years have been in freefall. However, this year’s “slap heard ‘round the world” has revived interest in the failing awards ceremony. When comedian Chris Rock took aim at the wife of actor Will Smith, he did not expect what ensued. Coming to the stage, Smith demonstrated his offense to the joke by slapping the comedian. Since then, the media world, along with other segments of the population, has been abuzz in giving their take on the violent event.
Speaking personally, the antics of Hollywood have long since grown weary to me and the “shock” of celebrity behavior is virtually non-existent. What has fascinated me about this entire affair is not Smith’s behavior; it is the multitudinous opinions on why he did it. From all corners of the media, opinions have been vocalized regarding his temper, relationship with his wife, relationship with Rock, as well as discussions on “toxic masculinity,” “black-on-black” violence, and even how one African American striking another was the fault of either white supremacy or Donald Trump. In the midst of this trivial furor, is there any lesson of value that can be gained? The answer is yes. There is only one person who can fully explain what motivated this slap and that one person is Will Smith. He, alone, knows what motivated the buildup and the action. For anyone else to give the reason runs the risk of being wrong. While the opinion may sound legitimate, it may be far from what really caused the action. The moral of this story? Do not put words into the mouth of another or assign motive without knowing all the facts.
Consider the above principle in relation to the following statement of the apostle Paul: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17). There are many good-hearted believers in God who make the same tragic mistake that the media have made with Smith; they attempt to speak without the facts. While this may sound brazen, statements such as, “I feel that God has given me this mission” or “God has laid it on my heart,” or “God spoke a message to me” seek to assign ideas to God that may very well be untrue. The apostle explained to Timothy and to all thereafter that the word of God is His means of communicating what He wants humanity to know. Scripture explains what is to be taught, gives proof of believability, instructs on turning from the wrong path, and provides the guidance that leads to godliness. Through narrative, poetry, law, and examples, God has provided clear insight into His thinking; thus, no one is left to wonder if there is something left out that He now needs to communicate. The Scriptures are all-sufficient.
Still, there is a desire to know more than what God has revealed. Moses addressed this with Israel by stating, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Preceding this statement is a rather lengthy description of why God punished His people. Such times bring questioning and a thirst for more knowledge, but Moses explained that what had been revealed was sufficient to make the point. He also explained that what had been revealed provided everything necessary to “do all the words of this law.” Simply put, whether one lived in ancient Israel or in the modern United States, God has not revealed all knowledge to humanity; however, what He has revealed sufficiently guides one to do His will.
The principles discussed thus far emphasize the need to be good students of the Bible. To understand that the Bible is the revealed mind of God should create a sobriety within every Christian that will lead to approaching God’s word with reverence, amazement, and spiritual curiosity. Reading the Bible is more than a cursory glance; it is approaching study with a commitment to meditating and pondering over the message presented. It is not gleaning commands as one would read an instruction manual, but rather seeing how each piece of the Bible ultimately presents a grand picture of God and His love for humanity. Good students of the word are those who seek God on every page!
One day Smith may offer a full explanation of what was going through his mind during that soon-to-be-forgotten event. If that happens, those who care can determine if they truly believe him. God has spoken what is on His mind and recorded it in detail. It is up to the reader to conclude whether He is to be believed. Though some may never comprehend His message of love, those who see God for who He is will cling to His precious message and draw closer to Him. May God bless all those who love Him and “do all the words of His law.”
