Dan Blocker was my favorite character, Hoss, on the TV series “Bonanza.” When he died unexpectedly of complications after gallbladder surgery, Hoss died. The producers knew they could not replace him. The producers decided that the story of his death would be that a woman was caught in a flood. Hoss held her above the water with one hand and held a branch with the other to keep them from being washed away. He died, but he never let go. He died, but she lived.
Fans mourned for the fictional character, but they agreed it was a fitting way for Hoss to die.
In the 80s, producers were ready to restart the story of the Cartwright’s in a new TV series, “Bonanza, the Next Generation.” The story was that the original Cartwrights were dead. Ben’s brother ran the Ponderosa. For various reasons, Adam’s son, little Joe’s son, and Hoss’ son were coming there to live.
Hoss died without marrying. The new series said he had an illegitimate son and died before bringing the mother to the Ponderosa. Test audiences were scheduled with fans of the original series. They were furious. Adam, sometimes a scholar and sometimes a Casanova, may have had an illegitimate son. If Joe had an illegitimate son, no one would be surprised. But Hoss? HOSS??? NOOOOOOO!!! Fans refused to believe it. Test audiences were so angry that producers canceled the series before the pilot even aired.
Fans refused to believe Hoss’ immorality. If a fictional character can inspire such belief in his character, how much more should we “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse [us] of doing wrong, they may see [our] good deeds and glorify God…”? 1 Peter 2:12
We have heard, “Character is what you are when no one is watching.” What do your eyes see when no one is watching? Where do your feet go when no one is watching? What does your mouth say when no one can hear? What do your ears listen to when no one can hear? Have you so lived that people refuse to believe any flaw in your character? Is what you are when no one is watching what you really are?
I like to read about the lives of famous people. I have discovered that 99% of famous people are nothing like the people we think they are. Their personal lives are a mess. They have no consistency, loyalty, devotion and strength of character. It is such a disappointment to discover what they are really like.
We who know Jesus Christ have one who is steadfast, consistent, loyal, devoted and strong. We will never be disappointed in Him. He will never let us down. We know that He will never change in His own character. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! And I believe God wants us to be steadfast and consistent in our character and behavior.
If you have a problem with character and behavior, let me suggest you quit trying! Quit struggling to be what you ought to be. Follow Christ each day and let Him mold you and make you into a person like Himself, a person of consistency, faithfulness and strong character. That’s the only way you will live a life that glorifies God!
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