“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is
more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37, NKJV).
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore
be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with
his deeds” (Colossians 3:9).
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).
Hopalong Cassidy was a Western character and movie hero from
the 1930s through the 1950s. The character initially came from
novels, but the novel character was rough and something of a
scoundrel. The movie character was the “epitome of gallantry and
fair play.” He rode through the west dressed in black on his horse
Topper, saving damsels and righting wrongs.
As with many of his contemporaries, like Gene Autry and the Lone
Ranger, Hopalong had a creed—a set of rules for children to live
by. Here they are:
1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty.
Be mindful at all times.
2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them
and obey their instructions.
3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show
good manners in every way.
4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show-off.
6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift
in all ways.
7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9. Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud
you are an American.
I try not to get caught up in nostalgia. Some things from the past are good and worthy of
conservation, others are not. Things were not better in our society in the 1930s-1950s than
now—World War II and the Korean War being the prime exhibits. But the above shows me one exception. If you read the list above, it doesn’t seem that this list could make it on Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel. I doubt you could post this list in any public school in America without opposition. As Christians armed with God’s Word, we can see that most of these had their genesis in the Scriptures—a few are listed above.
I am reminded that man’s words come and go. They drift away to be replaced by something
new. But the Word of God does not change; it is settled in heaven. Societies may turn towards or away from it, but it does not turn or change for us. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 1:2, NKJV).
Today, we gather to worship the unchanged God according to His unchanging Word. May God bless us with a desire to know that Word, submit to it as it has been given, and be faithful to it. We will find the way to this life and the next in that Word.
-John Ostic
