I remember taking the Boy Scout oath way, way back in the 20th century. It’s kinda like the oath of office you’ll see Trump take in January. It was the one that started out with “on my honor.” It’s WAY different than what you’ll see young boys interested in these days. It says:
“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country. And to obey the Scout Law: To help other people at all times, To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”
Sounds like a slice of Americana to a boomer like me. (a very tech savvy boomer, by the way)
But..
I didn’t stay in the Boy Scouts. In fact, I got out very quickly after going on a couple of scouting camping trips. Nothing bad happened. But it just felt weird to me. That’s all I’ll say about it right now.
Yeah, I sorta took an oath of office and then resigned.
Then, I learned what God inspired James to write about oaths. James wrote, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No, lest you fall into judgment.”
And especially don’t swear by an oath as you invoke God’s name. Like they did in the old movies where somebody “swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me, God. Yeah, don’t do dat. Instead…
Do right, and risk the consequences.
And do right, whatever you do.
Do right, and don’t you stand on fences.
Now whatever you do, with all of your might, Do Right!
You might recognize those as lyrics to my famous song that a guy built his whole radio talk show around.
Just kidding. I found him, on his own late night TV show, back in 1994 or 1995. And I liked what he said. And I like how he ended each show with the words, “Do right and risk the consequences.” So, I composed a song around that catchphrase.
All these years later, you can still hear my song at the end of his recorded radio programs. Plus, other music of mine is on lots of his other materials. Neither one of us took an oath of office to keep all this connection for all this time. It just turned out that way.
He’s now in Heaven.
And he’s enjoying the consequences of all those years of doing right. It’ll be great to see him again one day. Matter of fact it’ll be great to see all the saints who’ll be there. I hope you’re one of them.
And I hope you’re one of the growing body of believers who signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And receive daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned…
