SOU 012920 A Promise is a Promise

Do the Right Thing

We have talked about how the quality of integrity will cause a person to do the right thing. Now I would like for us to think about what that means in the life of a person who follows the Scout Oath & Law. We know that nothing we do ever goes unnoticed. Especially if you claim to be a believer in Christ or a Scouter. People are watching you all the time. That is why your life must reflect true integrity. R. Kent Hughes, the author of Disciplines of a Godly Man, wrote, “Integrity characterizes the entire person, not just part of him. He is righteous and honest through and through. He is not only that inside but also in outer actions.”

Scouters know that to show real integrity, you must live it even when you are alone. Oprah Winfrey said, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” Integrity becomes your lifestyle and wherever you are or whatever you are doing, that integrity will show.

“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking.  Some too many people think that the only right thing is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.”

J. C. Watts

Politician

However, what about that part people do see? Scouters do not do the right things to show off. It is not a “Hey! Look at me!” kind of thing. They are aware that people are watching and they are to be an example to all. Following the Scout Oath & Law takes courage. You must say no to what is wrong and face the truth at times publicly. W. Clement Stone said, “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”

Be willing to be that example the world needs. I love this saying from author H. Jackson Brown, Jr.: “Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.” Scouters desire to leave a legacy of honesty and integrity for their children more than any financial wealth they could gather. When selfish and dishonest people die, their life ends at the grave. The Scouters live on through their children and those whose lives they have touched with the courage to live right and indeed influence the world for good.

“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.”

– Proverbs 19:1

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 012720 The Scout Oath and You

Integrity

We often think of integrity as doing what is right. It is far more profound than that, however. Just doing the right thing is good behavior. Even the most dishonest person will do the right thing from time to time because it is to their advantage. True integrity, however, is a quality in a person that results in doing the right thing. It is their moral compass so to speak, that directs their life and it results in the right actions. It is their character.

People who believe in the Scout Oath & Law build the quality of integrity into their lives. Not by what they can and cannot do, but by learning and understanding what is the right thing to do. Those who do not understand this quality always see it as rules and restrictions, but that is never the reality. It is like the French Philosopher Albert Camus said, “Integrity does not need rules.”

“A person of integrity is one who has established a system of values against which

 all of life is judged.”

V. Gilbert Beers

Author

People who live for their gain see integrity as rules because they have to force the behavior. Scouters, on the other hand, know that since it comes from within, there is no effort, only a natural desire to do what is right. Inventor, R. Buckminster Fuller said, “Integrity is the essence of everything successful.” It will always bring a good outcome and always pave the way for more success.

Here is the challenge; however, we are bombarded every day with reasons to compromise.  The thinking is that a person really does not have to be right all the time and that everyone gives in to compromise now and then. Nigerian author Chinua Achebe understood this when he wrote, “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” He knew that successful people do not compromise, no matter what those around him or her may do.

Remember that to be a person of integrity, a faithful Scouter, you must see it as a character trait, not a behavior. You do what is right because it is right. Many things are legal and permissible but are not right. The Scouter knows the difference. They will not blur the lines of right and wrong and hide behind the excuse that it is legal or that others do it. It is a hard stand to take, but it is one that will lead to a more excellent victory in life and a more prosperous future.

“A righteous man who walks in his integrity – how blessed are his sons after him.”

– Proverbs 20:7

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 012220 You Can Count on Me

You Can Be Trusted

There are many areas where trust is shown. In telling the truth, not taking what is not yours and that you will do the right thing. However, the most profound degree of trust is one that cannot be easily explained. It is that trust that you give a friend or loved one. A trust that believes that you are safe with this person and that they desire your best. Author George MacDonald put it this way: “Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.”

People who believe in the Scout Oath & Law should be the kind of friend and loved one who others feel they can be safe with. When you are told the inner secrets of others, they should be confident that you would never share that information with anyone. They do not have to ask or check on you. They know you are a safe person in their life. Someone once said, “A true friend never breaches the trust of his companions or stabs him in his back. He is trustworthy and reliable. One should therefore always try to be a true and reliable friend.”

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”

George MacDonald

1824-1905

Author

The Scout Oath & Law directs us to be trusted, not because we can keep secrets, but because we know the value of trust. We know that when you are trusted, you hold a great responsibility to be faithful to that trust. There is no higher responsibility we can have. 

To be trusted is of great advantage in the business world. Businessman and founder of the J.C. Penny Department Stores, James Cash Penny, said, “Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.” People want to know that the people they work with and are trustworthy. Without that, you have fear, disloyalty and corruption. We can see that in the fall of some of the major corporations and government agencies. No one has shown they can be trusted and therefore, no one can be trusted.

I believe that in the heart of all of us is a desire to be a trustworthy person. As Scouts, we want to have those who trust us know that their trust is not wasted. People who follow the Scout Oath & Law will hold confidence, show loyalty to a business or church, and will be faithful always to do what is best for others before they think of themselves. They know that, as Albert Einstein said, “Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.”  Scouters can be trusted in all matters because being trustworthy is just part of who we are.

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.”

Proverbs 22:1

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 012020 The Skill of Trust

Keeping Your Word

In the classic book Mary Poppins, Mary warns the Banks children not to make “a pie-crust promise…easily made, easily broken.” This piece of good advice should be followed more today. There are far too many “pie-crust promises” being given to far too many people. So many promises have been made that were intended to be broken, we seldom really notice any more. A person of their word is a hard thing to find.

People who believe in the Scout Oath & Law should always be people of their word. If you promised something, it is your responsibility to see that the promise is kept. Scottish Poet, Robert Service claimed, “A promise made is a debt unpaid.” Whether it is as simple as promising a meeting time or as detailed as a wedding vow, you must keep your word. There is nothing that speaks of trustworthiness more than the ability to keep your word once it has been given.

“He who is slowest in making a promise is most faithful in its performance.”

Jean Jacques Rousseau

1712-1778

Philosopher

I have had the misfortune to know many people who will make an appointment time and are always late. They think that this is no big deal and are shocked to receive a rebuke from the person waiting. What this tells others is that you cannot be trusted to keep your word and not to depend on you for important things. In business, this can spell disaster. Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, said, “A promise must never be broken.”

Scouts should know that the less you promise, the more freedom you have in life. I am not saying never to make a promise, but when you do, understand that it is for keeps. You cannot promise today what you do not intend to fulfill tomorrow. Be a person of your word, be on time, do what you say you will do, deliver the product or service you say you will when you say you will do it. You will find that people will respect and depend on you. If there is business to be done, most people will do it with the person they trust, even over cost.

Now, allow me to ask you for a promise. I believe you will find this a little burden to bear. It comes from one of my favorite philosophers, Winnie the Pooh, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from trouble.”

– Proverbs 21:23

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 011520 The Great Wall

Honesty

Honesty is one of those things that everyone says they expect but think nothing about bending it when it comes to their advantage.  We have all heard the excuses about “white lies,” not hurting anyone.  Someone once said, “There are no degrees of honesty – be 100 percent honest all the time.”  Let’s face it; honesty is hard, even for those who embrace the Scout Oath & Law.

A Scout is expected to be truthful and honest all the time.  This is not just in what we say but also in what we do.  There is no excuse for lying or stealing or bending the truth to make things work out for you.  These are the small compromises that lead to big disasters in our life.  Benjamin Franklin said, “A small leak can sink a great ship.”  And that is so true.  Once you allow one dishonest act, you will allow more in your life.  Why?  Because you most likely will get away with it.

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

William Shakespeare

1564-1616

Writer

For many people, it is not the lying that bothers them; it is the getting caught. Once they have been found out, they move into another lie to cover the one before. Mark Twain had it right when he said, “Always tell the truth and there will be less you have to remember.” Scouts should know that it is always better to be honest, even if that may cause you pain. They follow the thinking of the Greek Philosopher Sophocles who said, “Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.”

In business, both employers and customers look for honest people to deal with. Companies want people who will not steal or defraud them in any way. Customers feel safe when they know that the salesperson is not just giving them a line to get their money. One of the great entrepreneurs of the mid 20^th Century was Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay taught her salesladies the importance of honesty when she said, “Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist.”

People who follow the principles of Scouting show themselves to be people of honor. When others talk of you, let them say that you are an honest person and can be trusted. Don’t assume that honesty is a given, and you will not be tempted to bend the truth or not to be entirely honest in your actions. I dare say you will not make it through this day without facing the challenge. The question is never, will you get caught. Most likely no, and if you were caught, many people would not even care. It is your honor that is in the balance here, and nothing should cause you to lose that.

“God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is His business.”

– Proverbs 16:11  Message Bible

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 011320 The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Be an Example

Mark Twain once said, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Have you noticed how people who set an example for others are ridiculed, slandered and hated? There are those in our society who cannot stand anyone good, wholesome and lives by godly principles. Why are they so upset? Because light will always reveal what is hidden in the dark.

One of the purposes of a success-minded person is to influence their world for good. Medical Missionary, Albert Schweitzer, said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” Our behavior, speech, actions and achievements matter to more than just ourselves. You are setting an example for others to follow who wish to live a successful life. Like it or not, you are the only example that some may ever see. That is a big responsibility but it is all part of being a success-minded person.

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.  I just watch what they do.”

Andrew Carnegie

1835-1919

Industrialist

The world we live in today does not see living by Christian principals as needless but rather as impossible. They think that it is asking too much of a person to be trustworthy, hard-working and honest. Author G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” I know many say they have tried to live as a Christian but it “did not work” for them. That statement alone shows they never knew what it meant to be a Christian in the first place. It is not about how we live; it is about Whom we are living for.

Success-minded people are to be an example to the world that it is possible to achieve success without compromising your values, being dishonest, or stepping on others to do so. Our life is to be such that we do not have to preach to others on how to be successful, but people only have to see what we do. Words are cheap to be sure. I can tell you anything, but the challenge is what I show you. It is how you live that will speak to most people. They may not like it, but you cannot argue with a good example.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Society is always taken by surprise at any new example of common sense.” Success-minded people should be full of surprises.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

– Matthew 5:14-16

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 010820 Trustworthy

Good Character

Scouts are people of honor and character. We are far from perfect and may fall many times along the way, but we do hold ourselves to a high standard and do our best to keep it. We know that it is not what we say that builds character but what we do. The great evangelist from Chicago D.L. Moody (1837-1899) said, “Character is what you are in the dark.”

We have all seen too many “successful” people show they are dishonest, self-centered, and destructive. They have traded their character for what they think they can gain in riches and fame. Compromise is the destroyer of many lives. The great Salvation Army evangelist, Samuel Brengle (1860-1936) made this statement about what matters in character: “The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has bore or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart.”

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you.  Never excuse yourself.”

Henry Ward Beecher

1813-1887

Clergyman

Those who follow the Scout Oath & Law strive to develop a good character and to live by the principals they believe in. It is not to show others how great they are or to win the favor of people in power. Good character is for you. When you have and live by good character principals, you feel better about you and you know you have the confidence to achieve your goals. We will all face troubles and hard decisions in life, but those people of good character can face them with courage and the knowledge that they will make the right decision.

“Deal honestly and objectively with yourself,” said author and speaker, Brian Tracy, “intellectual honesty and personal courage are the hallmarks of great character.” As a Scout, you will be able to do what is right because it is right. It is not a case of feeling you have to do it but you desire to. I am amazed by how many people see those who live by the Scout Oath & Law as well as Christian principals as having too many rules to follow. People of good character have no rules they have to follow. That is the point of good character, you do what is right because you want to, and it is a choice you make freely.

Those who follow the principles of Scouting are not perfect people, but they try to be. No one has to point out our flaws; we know them better than anyone does. We are not trying to impress anyone or make them think we are better. Scouts want to do what is right and allow good character to be the standard they live by. We know that when we are better people, the world is better. 

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 010620 The Scout Law and You

SOU 2001 Making A Promise

From an early age, we learn the importance of a promise. We know that when you say, or others say to you, “I promise” that a commitment has been made. It is a contract for us. Children know that if they can get you to say “I promise” that they will get what they desire. Even in adulthood, a promise is a serious thing. Even though many adults have the tendency to make “pie-crust” promises – easily made, easily broken – a promise is still seen as a commitment.

I believe that next to the Pledge of Allegiance, the most well-known promise is the Scout Oath. Even people who are not, nor ever have been, Scouts can recite the Scout Oath.

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.

To the Scout, this is a pledge to be a person of good character and integrity. It is not a childish recital at the start of a meeting. It is a promise that holds for the rest of our lives. For those who understand the importance of keeping their word, it is the foundation of their life. Age, race, social standing, education, careers, and political beliefs do not change the promise made by the Scout.

The principles of the Scout Oath and Law are so vital for young people to understand and embrace. When a person cannot, or will not, keep life’s promises, they cannot be trusted. We see these people all around us. They, many times, hold positions of authority. Leaders of education, government, business are other careers where oaths are often taken, never intended to be kept.

A successful life, one that is well-lived and that adds value to all the lives it touches, cannot be achieved if promises cannot be kept. Learning to keep promises may seem unimportant to some, but it is the only hope we have to make a better, more civil world.

The main thing to remember is that you are the key to making this happen. It matters little that others keep their word or do what is right if you do not. The only person you can change and influence to do right is you. It all starts with us. Each one keeping our Oath. Each one doing our duty. With that, we will change the world.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey