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