Google "truth or consequences" and you''ll get two primary hits. One, references the town Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and the other the old Truth or Consequences radio program (1940-1957) and television show by the same name, which aired on NBC, CBS, and in syndication on and off from 1950-1988. Oddly enough, I remember both, the town from a family vacation out west, and the television program from the old black and white monster my parents had in our den. Both memories are indelible because they are connected.
You see, the original announcer and host of the Truth or Consequences radio and TV program was the ever flamboyant Ralph Edwards. The radio version was so popular, he offered to air the broadcast from the first American city or town to change its name to Truth or Consequences. The town fathers in Hot Springs, New Mexico, thought this would bring a financial boom to their town of 7,500. So, they took the bait, had the name of the town changed, and they hosted the program. Ralph Edwards returned to Truth or Consequences every May for fifty years for a "Fiesta" celebrating the town. It was a financial boost. The events were held in Ralph Edwards Park. How fitting!
The television show was ridiculous, funny in a happy days, slapstick kind of way. Edwards was the original host but venerable Bob Barker did the honors from 1956-1975. Contestants from the audience were asked questions and given about 2 seconds to answer. If they could not answer before Beulah the Buzzer razzed them, they were assigned come comical , zany stunt to perform. The audience howled. I remember my parents saying, "you better always tell the truth, or you'll suffer the consequences." I always envisioned having to eat a mud pie or having seltzer water sprayed in my face.
Sometimes I've wished there was a Beulah the Buzzer to announce our misdeeds or snafus. Wouldn't that be a trip, buzzers blaring over all the sounds of every day life, human error on parade. On second thought, maybe not. But, there is something better. The Holy Spirit of God guides us in all truth, and announces when we're outside the truth. Not to trivialize the work of the Holy Spirit, but He reminds us of our sin.
During Bob Barker's reign his usual sign-off included the phrase, "Hoping all your consequences are happy ones." Sounds like him, doesn't it. Jesus says, "if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).
Sounds just like him too.
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