"Good Old Days"

When the voices call from long ago,

And time that’s flying starts to slow,

Their wisdom beckons, for to show,

The way things used to be.

Right was right, and wrong was wrong,

Generations, families strong,

And people tried to get along,

Just yesterday, you see.

They would not call ‘em good old days,

‘Cause sometimes trouble comes and stays,

But through it all with godly ways,

They learned to do things right.

Never perfect, they sinned, too,

But found the grace to see them through,

Rejected lies and lived what’s true,

While walking in the light.

We can’t go back nor hardly should,

But learn from them, if we only would,

Leave the bad and claim the good,

Else we have lost our way.

God will use it all, you see,

To bring the truth to you and me,

It’s God’s own word that sets us free,

The past will help today.

“…Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart…” (Proverbs 4:20-21, NLT)

The wisdom of people who have gone before us in the faith will save us. These people may have lived long ago and are part of the biblical narrative. Some of them may still be alive, and are mentors to us. Regardless, they become agents of change in our lives. They speak to us of what matters most, and what course of action we should follow. These words of wisdom and truth adjust attitudes that compete with God’s highest and best. When we look to those who have gone before us we often see a stalwart resolve that could not be tempted or intimidated by evil. And because this is so, there is hope for our children and grandchildren.

Lord, help us both receive and pass along Your wisdom, in Jesus’ name.