Tonight, the White House lawn will host a UFC event as part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration.
For some, it will be entertainment.
For others, it will be a symbol of strength, toughness, and American culture.
For me, it represents something entirely different.
The White House has long been called “The People’s House.” Throughout American history, its grounds have hosted events that brought families together, celebrated achievement, honored service, and showcased the best of our nation.
The annual Easter Egg Roll has welcomed children and families to the South Lawn since 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Presidents have hosted Independence Day celebrations filled with music, fireworks, and community.
President Lyndon Johnson transformed the lawn into an outdoor arts venue during the Festival of the Arts.
President Gerald Ford hosted Queen Elizabeth for an elegant state dinner beneath a tent on the South Lawn.
The grounds have welcomed world leaders, served as the landing place for Marine One, and stood as a symbol of American leadership.
President Jimmy Carter even installed a temporary ice rink so Olympic champion Peggy Fleming could perform for guests.
President George W. Bush hosted T-ball games featuring children of active-duty military personnel.
Families.
Children.
Artists.
Athletes.
Public servants.
Moments that reflected dignity and community.
Now, the White House lawn welcomes the UFC.
That reality should cause us to ask an important question:
What are we choosing to celebrate?
The UFC has certainly become a massive business success. Millions watch its events. Millions more wager on the outcomes. The organization has produced many talented athletes who have worked hard to reach the highest levels of their sport.
But the UFC has also been surrounded by years of controversy involving domestic violence allegations, arrests, abuse accusations, and troubling behavior from some of its biggest stars.
The organization’s founder and CEO was caught on video striking his wife. Public outrage followed. Yet many quickly moved on.
Several fighters over the years have faced allegations or arrests involving domestic violence and abuse.
Yet tonight, this organization is being elevated to center stage on one of the most recognizable pieces of property in America.
As Christians, we should not merely ask whether something is popular.
We should ask whether it is worthy of celebration.
Popularity and righteousness are not the same thing.
The crowds that shouted “Hosanna” on Sunday shouted “Crucify Him” on Friday.
The Bible repeatedly reminds us that the values of God’s Kingdom often stand in direct opposition to the values of the world.
Jesus taught us to honor the peacemakers.
Jesus taught us to protect the vulnerable.
Jesus taught us that true greatness is found in humility and service.
Jesus never taught us to idolize aggression, celebrity, power, or wealth.
I already know many people will disagree with me.
Many will watch.
Many will cheer.
Many will place bets.
Many will celebrate the spectacle.
That is their choice.
But as for me, I cannot help but feel sadness that a place which has hosted children hunting Easter eggs, military families playing T-ball, artists sharing their gifts, and leaders gathering in diplomacy is now being used to showcase an organization whose history includes so many troubling examples of violence beyond the octagon.
Perhaps that says something about where our culture is today.
Perhaps it says something about what we reward.
Perhaps it says something about what we have become willing to overlook.
As Christians, our calling is not to blindly follow the crowd or celebrate whatever is trending.
Our calling is to seek God’s Kingdom first.
To honor what is good.
To defend what is right.
To stand for truth even when it is unpopular.
America’s 250th birthday should be an
opportunity to celebrate the highest ideals of our nation: faith, family, service, sacrifice, character, and human dignity.
Instead, tonight’s main event leaves me asking whether we have confused entertainment with virtue.
And that is a fight I have no interest in watching. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 
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