Gummy Bears

So, my two daughters have been watching episodes of the Gummy Bears on youtube. They love the show, and it gives us little breaks to do what needs doing around the house. Anyway, the other day I caught myself singing the lyrics to the theme song:
"Gummy Bears, bouncing here and there and everywhere..."
And then in the middle of the song:
"Their legend is growing,
They take pride in knowing,
They'll fight for what's right,
In whatever they do."
And the thought struck me, wouldn't it be nice if this was still the message sent to kids today.

No, I am not one of those "Oh, things used to be much better and now it's all downhill" kind of people. I also just watched "Top Secret" (rated PG!) and I have no illusions about pop culture past. BUT I do think that when I was a kid, the heroes in kids shows and cartoons typically had the same goal as the Gummy Bears, to fight for what's right in whatever they do. In several episodes of Gummy Bears, they are required to make a choice between doing what is right and doing what is best for their group alone. I don't watch much kid tv today, so this is not a commentary on today's kid's programming.

What is the point, then, you ask...

My point is this, how many of US have that goal? How many grown ups have in their heart to fight for what is right in whatever they do? I don't mean the self-justifying what is right for me is the ultimate good kind of "right." I mean the what is good for people in general, or good for those around me kind of "right." I believe this is what Jesus commanded us to strive for when he said that the two greatest commandments were loving God and loving those around us.

Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is what helps us see that sometimes what is good for me is not "right" in the greater sense. In a "what is best for me" kind of ethic: lying, cheating, stealing, witholding help from others when it is inconvenient for me to give it is all right and good. God in revealing his holiness to us convinces our hearts that those things are not right.

That revelation gives us the ability to love our neighbor as ourselves. That is how we can really "fight for what is right in whatever we do."