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Monday, April 19, 2010

Truth or Consequences

 

 

 

The title of this week's "pen" might conjure up a variety of thoughts, depending upon the individual.  Most of us would think of the popular quiz show that aired from the early 50's until the early 80's.  Guests on the show had to answer some crazy question (give the "truth" of the matter) and if answered wrong or not in time, the contestant would have to suffer the "consequences" of their mistake; hence the title of the program.   One popular feature of the program was the emotional reunion of the contestant with some long-lost relative, or a son or daughter who was returning from military duty overseas, at that time Viet Nam.  Perhaps that one item endeared the program to the millions of Americans who tuned in each week to enjoy the program.

 

On the other hand, a person living in New Mexico might immediately think of the city, "Truth or Consequences."  Originally named "Hot Springs," the city changed its name in 1950 as the result of a challenge from Ralph Edwards who hosted the popular show by the same title.  Edwards had promised to air the popular radio program from the first town that renamed itself after the show; Hot Springs, NM won the honor. 

 

Occasionally I remember that old TV program and the enjoyment derived from watching the zany antics of host and contestant like.  Like other programs on television, "Truth or Consequences" was designed to entertain, not mold the thinking of its audience.  All such programs are now but a fading memory of an era in our nation when the "baby boomers" were growing up, and when life itself was simple and religion was a basic part of our nation's fabric.  Today, much of the programming on television is designed to change the thinking and behavior of its audience, and most of it not for the better.   Since the "sexual revolution" of the 1960's the subject matter of television (and movies) has gradually denigrated to the point where little is fit to watch, and most programs should be stringently avoided by the child of God.   Were it not for syndication, few would have any idea of what television was like in the 1950's and early 60's.  Programs such as "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "The Lone Ranger," to name but a few, have, like Randolph Scott and Gene Autry, ridden off into the sunset of a bygone era.   This brings me to my last observation.

 

"Truth or Consequences" would make a great sermon title for a lesson (or a series of lessons) on responsibility.  Unfortunately, "Truth" is viewed by this generation as an elusive dream, non-existent, and incapable of being truly known.   Politicians seem incapable of distinguishing between truth and error.  But the child of God knows that it is truth that sets us free, and that such truth is both absolute and attainable (John 8:32).   At the same time, the "consequences" associated with that truth are eternal, and will affect each and every man, woman and child, regardless of whether or not they lived in, or even knew about that small city in New Mexico. 

 

When time gives way to eternity, and this world is burned to a cinder, it will be of no consequence whether or not you lived in the city of Truth Or Consequence, or whether or not you ever had the opportunity to enjoy the antics of the television program.  The only thing that will matter then is whether or not you loved and obeyed the truth.   If that truth be ignored, neglected, or rejected, all that will remain to haunt the lost soul throughout eternity will be the consequences of that neglect and indifference -  and that, my friend, is a sobering thought indeed!

 

by Tom Wacaster

First Corinthians commentary:  Get the new First Corinthians commentary from www.abiblecommentary.com.  Preview the First Corinthians commentary through Google books at http://bit.ly/dfw86d.  Other Bible commentary material from www.abiblecommentary.com includes a FREE on-line Romans commentary:  http://bit.ly/3MRU5I  
 

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