A Really Strong Foundation
The 2017 Camaro ZL1 1LE was a nasty thing, with an engine from a Corvette Z06, aero accoutrements from the track, and a greenhouse from a WWII tank. With the Hydra-Matic 10-speed auto, it hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds (or 3.5 with the 6-speed manual – all in first gear) on its way to a low 11-second quarter mile at 127 mph.
Its supercharged 6.2-liter pushrod LT4 V8 was rated at 650 horsepower. That’s exactly what you’d get in a 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed (a car with twelve twin-turbocharged cylinders and a truly terrifying price tag). People went nuts for it. But the biggest reason for the car’s superlative performance – yes the biggest – is its chassis. The 6th-gen Camaro was built on GM’s Alpha platform and was much stronger, safer, and lighter, and made for a car that was faster and even more difficult to see out of than the excellent 2010-2015 5th-gen. The 6th-gen Camaro, in any variety, was on Top 10 lists everywhere. It won too many accolades to fit in its shoebox-sized trunk. It spent more than 100 hours in a wind tunnel. You could buy one with the wee turbo 2-liter and have more or similar power to any V8 Camaro from 1971 to 1995 (as well as minor conveniences such as safety, reliability, comfort, good handling, technology, and efficiency).
Good bones make a big difference. Or, as the Bible says:
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15
These words were written to Timothy, who “from infancy” was taught the Bible (and perhaps the earliest New Testament writings) by his mother and grandmother. Perhaps you can say the same. But, as you know, humans don’t reach an age where they stop learning. New experiences confront your perspective, philosophy, and life outlook every day, challenging your preexisting notions. This can be good, of course, until it becomes bad.
In this passage, Timothy (along with all believers) is urged to consider everything known to be true about the Bible as a foundation, platform, bones, or framework. They are the essentials, and they are indispensible. Some have tried to tackle the big stuff like ethical quandaries or doctrinal nuances without a strong foundation, which would be like adding a 650-horsepower LT4 in a 1967 Camaro without reinforcing the frame. A car like that won’t do donuts, but it might make a neat pretzel.
Some are currently facing life’s ugliest battles without a strong foundation. If this is you, take a thorough look at this chunk of 2 Timothy. For Timothy, the foundation came from the words of God, spoken and taught through the people God put in Timothy’s life. No one is expected to go through these things alone, or learn everything themselves (the fancy term for that is autodidact, and you’ll find it in a good dictionary but not in the Bible).
The central encouragement in this passage is really a mandate, and it’s universal: continue. Keep learning about God. Keep finding satisfaction in the new life he gave you. Find new ways to trust him more and trust everything else less. Listen closely to wisdom from wise, Christ-following people around you. You already have the foundation, built for stability and performance. Now you get to continue letting God build onto that for wherever the road takes you next.
The 1LE package was available on SS, V6, and ZL1 models, and although the ZL1 seems like the perfect match, there are other options. A 2SS with 1LE suspension and Brembo six-piston calipers (with 14.6-inch, two-piece rotors) would be hard to pass up. Or, honestly, a stick-shift turbo 4-cylinder might be all you need to start. With those good bones, you can continue making upgrades whenever you’re ready.
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