The Same Differences
The 1985 Ferrari Testarossa is a lot like its namesake, the 250 Testa Rossa from the mid-1950s, except for minor things like completely different construction, a much larger displacement, a roof, and no racing intentions. The 1985 Testarossa debuted at the Paris Auto Show during the same year – 1984 – as the GTO, which was unveiled three months earlier in Geneva, yet these legendary cars have practically nothing in common. It ended the 512’s 12-year production, using the same “Berlinetta Boxer” engine – although with some updates. Both were styled by the same legendary design house – Pininfarina – but with different results; by removing the 512’s radiator from the front and putting twin radiators behind the Testarossa’s doors, the whole profile changed and aerodynamic envelope improved.
Despite millennia of changes, human nature doesn’t seem to change much either. Around 750 B.C., the prophet Amos wrote God’s words of warning against specific issues that were relevant then, and eight centuries later during the time of Jesus, and 2,000 years after that, during our time on earth today.
The struggles in Amos’ time were, in today’s terms:
predatory lending that targeted the poor (2:6)
open sexual relationships ripe for a daytime television court drama (2:7)
a wealth disparity that systemized poverty (2:8)
mega consumerism within a new elite, private-jet class (3:15)
binge drinking and idleness (4:1)
“slacktivism” (4:4-5). (Slacktivism is a neologism of the social media age that describes “liking” or “sharing” content on social media that promotes a virtuous cause, without actually taking further action such as volunteering or donating money. In Amos’ day, people loved the pomp and tradition of church society events, and were content to enjoy it without the sincerity or the work of a faithful heart).
Fortunately, the same God who spoke through Amos is speaking to us today. The warnings of Amos that Jesus echoed are repeated for us today, in the language of today that addresses the specific issues of today. It’s a “those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it” lesson. This is largely because the fundamental aspects of human nature don’t change. We struggle with the same stuff. In another 2,000 years, if the planet is still here and the Lord hasn’t taken us home, we probably won’t be any closer to living perfectly than we are now.
Fortunately, the same God gives us the same grace that we all need. He empowers us to change our behavior. Just as the Testarossa made the best use of its predecessors’ virtues while avoiding their pitfalls, we can learn from the past and apply the same antidotes that still work today. We can combat the six sicknesses of Amos’ time with:
Empathy for judgment. It’s hard to take advantage of someone’s weakness when you allow yourself to feel their pain.
Honesty for vice. “I’m as sick as my secrets,” as the old AA adage goes (see also Ephesians 4:17-5:21, specifically 5:13-14). Talking about your issue is the first and most important step.
Generosity for apathy. A generous heart moves swiftly to help a person before, not after, long deliberation on why that person needs help.
Gratitude for greed. Thank God for the abundance he already gives and watch your “needs” list shrink.
Accountability for laziness. If self-help hasn’t worked in the past, it won’t work this time. Talk to someone and be accountable to them.
Sincerity for apathy. We live in a real world with real people who are in real pain, and God equips all of us with ability and opportunities – big and small – to help.
In 1993, the Testarossa would be replaced, in name only, by the 512TR. Its name is different (although you can probably guess what “TR” stands for), but they are largely the same car – the same aerodynamic profile, same 5-liter V12, same citation-grabbing looks. That last one is common to all Ferrari owners – even people driving 250 Testa Rossas. Maybe they have some advice from the past six decades that could help Ferrari owners today.
