Duty to God part 2

Duty to God is far more than going to church and earning a religious emblem. A Scout shows their Duty to God by being a servant of God. That means that their thoughts and action are based on pleasing God as best they can. Scouts understand that there are not and never will be perfect. If that were possible, they would not need a Savior. However, they do not use their lack of perfection as an excuse for doing wrong.

Scouts learn that duty is not something we come by naturally. We do not do our duty without thinking about it. Duty is always deliberate and purposeful. It is a choice we make every time we perform it. Doing our duty, in whatever form that takes, is done to improve us and those around us. President Abraham Lincoln said “I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition but to assist in ameliorating mankind.”

“Reverence to God and reverence for one’s neighbor and reverence for oneself as

a servant of God is the basis of every form of religion.”

Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Duty to God comes as we read and study His word (the Bible). It is shown in our times of prayer and our service to others. The Apostel James said “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27. Simply put, the Message translation says, “Anyone who sets himself up as ‘religious’ by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”

Each of us has a Duty to God. After all, He is the one who created us and has provided for us this wonderful earth and all its treasures. It was out of His great love for us that He sent His only Son to die for our sins. Jesus, God’s only Son, paid the price that we could not pay so that we can be with God forever. This alone is reason enough for us to give Him our loyalty and to do a high duty to Him.

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

SOU022620 Call to Duty

Duty to God part 1

Duty to God is one of those phrases that lost its meaning over time. Today, many think of duty as rules and being forced to do things you do not wish to do. Duty has nothing to do with rules. Duty is doing what you are expected to do – and a bit more – without being told to do it. General Robert E. Lee said, “Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.”

Scouts learn that duty is a matter of honor. By neglecting to perform our Duty to God, our family, our country, and each other, we dishonor our self. At one time, duty as part of our social thinking. It was important for people to be seen as someone who did his or her duty. Today Scouts and Scouters still hold that responsibility for themselves. They know that there is something that is expected of them. Their duty is to do what is right and do it every time. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie said, “Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.”

“We never fail when we try to do our duty; we always fail when we neglect to do it.”

Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Duty to God is found in our relationship with Christ. Judge Roy Moore said, “To do my duty, I must obey God.” As a Christian, you know that there is a standard you live by. God has called us to be holy, right, and good. The principles of the Christian life are not up for evaluation or debate. As believers in Christ, we have a duty to follow Him. Just as Scouts, we have a duty to follow and obey the Oath & Law. It is the duty of every Christian, Scout or not, to be an example to the world of what it is like to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a duty we take seriously and willingly.

Scouts learn that they have other duties as well. They have a duty to their family to serve, protect, and love them. To help them succeed and be the best they can be. A duty to their country to obey its laws and protect its honor. They have a duty to others to serve and show kindness and encouragement. By performing well in all these areas, a Scout is doing his Duty to God.

For the Scouts and Scouters who believe in their values and has a robust desire to do what is right, duty is a natural outcome. Duty, like all the characteristics of Scouting, is not based on rules and restrictions, it is freeing and liberating. It is based on choice. We choose to do our Duty to God, willingly and freely. That is what makes us free. 

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

SOU022420 Doing Your Duty

A Loyal Leader

In a business, church, Troop or Patrol, often thoughts of loyalty are directed to the leader. Those who are loyal to the leader often tell other people they need to be loyal to their leader. Really, the opposite is more important. Is the leader loyal to the people they serve? The leader should always be the servant to those who follow them, not the other way around. As J. Oswald Sanders points out: “True greatness, true leadership, found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”

Scouts know that leadership holds a great responsibility. As a leader, you must bring others to the place where they can succeed and fulfill their God-given purpose. Author John Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” A leader must never drive, manipulate, or force others to follow them. If they are a leader, others will follow because they know this person knows where they are going and they wish to come along.

“The loyalty of your men is a sacred trust you carry.  It is something which must never be betrayed, something you must live up to.”

Sir Ernest Shackleton

1874-1922

Explorer

John D. Rockefeller pointed out that, “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” Scouts know that they are to help others be their best and to succeed in what they do. A loyal leader will never set people up to fail. They will do all in their power to allow others to succeed and to give others the credit for the success. Scouts follow this system: When the team succeeds give others the credit, when they fail you take the responsibility.

People will follow a humble and fair leader. No one wants to be controlled by a leader who is looking out for his or her own interests. The leader who is humble is one who looks out for the interest of their team. Remember that humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking about yourself less. Andrew Carnegie said, “No man will be a great leader who wants to do it all himself and get all the credit for it.”

Scouts understand that one is too small a number for success and they need the team. By being loyal to others, others are loyal to them. It is as U.S. President John Quincy Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 9:35

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

SOU021920 Doing Your Best

Open Letter on BSA Bankruptcy

This is the second day for my test of an online journal. I am still doing my written one until I decide what I want to do. My question today was whether I was going to wait until I finish the handwritten one before doing the online, or if I would reenter the pages I have done so far for this year to have the full year, or I can stop the old and do the new. Silly to think about, but that is how my brain works.

I got some disturbing news this morning; it seems that the BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy just after midnight last night. One of the reasons for this is that they have so much they are paying in abuse lawsuits that they cannot afford it. This hole thing brings many questions to my mind.

I do feel that the downturn of the Scouts over the past few years has been because the leadership has strayed from the Scout Oath and Law. I know they will say that the Oath and Law are the foundation of all they do. That is like saying the Scriptures are the foundation of the Church. Just because you know them, recite them, and use them often does not mean you apply them or believe them.

As with any oath, the proof is in our behavior and not in our words. I find it puzzling that the BSA’s biggest problem is the sexual abuse caused by Scout Leaders abusing Scouts, yet, not long ago, the BSA welcomed openly gay Scouts and leaders into the organization. I am the first to say that there have always been gay leaders and Scouts in the BSA. However, as a policy, it was not accepted as the norm for Scouts or leaders. Now, the issue is that the actions of gay leaders and some Scouts were so awful that we pay millions to “compensate” the victims. This makes no sense to me at all.

In a desire to be more socially relevant, the BSA has compromised and twisted it Oath and Law so that they mean nothing but good ideas. Even the very foundation of Boy Scouts has been taken down with the entrance of girls into the Troops. I have no problem with girls in Scouting. That, too, has been a reality for years. However, the Boy Scouts were just that – Boy Scouts. There is a place for Girl Scouts, and that too should be recognized and kept for girls. It is not an issue of inclusiveness as much as it is the identity for the boys. It is one more thing in our society to masculinize boys.

Even the outdoor, high adventure image of Scouts has been watered down. Troops can no longer play games like dodge ball, and in some districts, guns have been taken out of the merit badge curriculum. Scouts are no longer building strong and brave men. They are not even making boys. In the words of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, “God made man to be men.”

I know that this may be upsetting to some. I admit that I am disturbed by the “everything is wonderful and no need to be alarmed” attitude that is often pushed. I am a very positive person as anyone who has read my blogs knows. However, being positive is not a denial of unpleasant things. When standing in a burning house, the positive person does not say, “Isn’t the heat nice.”

I love Scouting and believe it has the potential to help young people develop character and to become good citizens. But I have to say I see the house is on fire. There has got to be some changes made and made quickly if we are to survive. I do not have all the answers, nor do I think I can do better than others. I am sure that there are many things I do not know or understand. However, that only makes me one of the thousands of Scouts and Scouters who hold these same concerns.

The thing we do know is the Scout Oath and Law. We know it, understand it, and believe it. Many Scouts and Scouters work hard to apply the Oath and Law to their lives and to live it every day. Scouting is more than an organization we belong to; it is a way of life. We expect the same from our leadership, and to be frank, we do not see that happening.

Please let me encourage you with this, make your district and national leadership know how you feel. Be honest and straight forward with them about your concerns and feelings. Remembering that a Scout is kind and courteous. It is your duty as a Scout to help everyone, even those in leadership, to be their best, and to succeed. Baden-Powell reminds us, “We never fail when we do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.”

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

SOU021720 Dealing With the Disloyal

Loyal to God

What does it mean to be loyal to God? If you are a Christian, it means that you live your life for Him. Do not make a mistake in thinking that means that you go into the ministry and give all your time to Christian work. For the believer in Jesus Christ, there is no difference between sacred and secular work. All we do is ministry if we do it to the glory of God. A.B. Simpson said, “God means every Christian to be effective, to make a difference in the actual records and results of Christian work. God put each of us here to be a power. There is not one of us but is an essential wheel of the machinery and can accomplish all that God calls us to do.”

As a Scout who is a Christian (Scouting is a non-sectarian organization that recognizes all faiths), you know that you are a constant representative of the Lord you serve. How you behave, the language you use, the character you display are all an example of what Christ is in your life. Pastor Sinclair B. Ferguson said, “There is nothing more important about Christian growth than this: Growing in grace means becoming like Christ.”

“Faithful servants never retire.  You can retire from your career,

but you will never retire from serving God.”

– Rick Warren

Author/Pastor

I dare say that none of us are satisfied with how we represent Christ to the world we live in. We all feel that we fall short and have failed Him countless times. Even evangelist Billy Graham said, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’”

However, being loyal to God is not being perfect. If anyone of us could be the perfect example of Christ, we would not need a Saviour. We all fall short, and all need help. The thing that makes us a Christian is that we stay at it. We do not give up at every difficulty and turn back to the world. We know that there is only one hope and one source of power, which is Jesus Christ who gave His life for our salvation.

Loyalty to God means we belong to Him. No matter how many times we may stumble along the way, we will never leave Him or go back to the life we knew before Him. His loyalty to us is without question. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. We are the ones who can show the world power and freedom that there is in Christ. We can do the one thing Jesus Himself could not do. Show the world a sinner saved by grace.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

– Romans 8:38-39

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

SOU021220 A Loyal Friend

Loyal to Their Family

Scouts learn that you can succeed in every area of life, you can have wealth, power and position, but if you fail in the family, you are a failure. The family is always the top priority in the pursuit of success. Walt Disney once said, “A man should never neglect his family for business.” 

This does not mean that you cannot work hard, make sacrifices, and do what needs to be done in business or Scouting because of your family. Scouts and Scouters know that the family is a partner in your success not a burden. Families encourage one another and help each other to be successful. Yes, there are times all have to sacrifice the achieve a specific goal, but it is done by agreement and as a family.

“A man ought to live so that everyone knows he is a Christian…and most of all, his family ought to know.”

D.L. Moody

1837-1899

Evangelist

Author Chuck Swindoll said, “A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.” When a family succeeds in achieving their dreams, they all celebrate, and all have achieved. We teach our children that you can achieve all your dreams if you work together and support one another.

My wife is a successful businessperson in her own right. She owns her own company and is very good at what she does. She knows that I am fully and completely behind her and will do what I need to help her succeed. Her job takes her around the world, and that means I am home without her from time to time. It is not a problem because we understand we are doing this together. Likewise, she makes many sacrifices for my success. I could have never achieved my dreams if she had not been fully supportive and willing to help me do that.

Scouts know that the family is a great blessing and gift from the Lord. They are willing to make changes for each other and build a life together because you are a family. When our girls were growing up, we had to put off some of our goals to focus on them, but we lost nothing and now the Lord has rewarded us with not only our dreams but also the most significant treasure yet – grandchildren!

Playwright George Bernard Shaw said, “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” That is so true. First, focus on building a happy family, and all else will grow out of that. There is nothing more important in life than family.

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

Psalms 127:3

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

SOU021020 Loyal to the End

A loyal Leader

In a business, church, Troop or Patrol, often thoughts of loyalty are directed to the leader. Those who are loyal to the leader often tell other people they need to be loyal to their leader. Really, the opposite is more important. Is the leader loyal to the people they serve? The leader should always be the servant to those who follow them, not the other way around. As J. Oswald Sanders points out: “True greatness, true leadership, found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”

Scouts know that leadership holds a great responsibility. As a leader, you must bring others to the place where they can succeed and fulfill their God-given purpose. Author John Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” A leader must never drive, manipulate, or force others to follow them. If they are a leader, others will follow because they know this person knows where they are going and they wish to come along.

“The loyalty of your men is a sacred trust you carry.  It is something which must never be betrayed, something you must live up to.”

Sir Ernest Shackleton

1874-1922

Explorer

John D. Rockefeller pointed out that, “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” Scouts know that they are to help others be their best and to succeed in what they do. A loyal leader will never set people up to fail. They will do all in their power to allow others to succeed and to give others the credit for the success. Scouts follow this system: When the team succeeds give others the credit, when they fail you take the responsibility.

People will follow a humble and fair leader. No one wants to be controlled by a leader who is looking out for his or her own interests. The leader who is humble is one who looks out for the interest of their team. Remember that humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking about yourself less. Andrew Carnegie said, “No man will be a great leader who wants to do it all himself and get all the credit for it.”

Scouts understand that one is too small a number for success and they need the team. By being loyal to others, others are loyal to them. It is as U.S. President John Quincy Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 9:35

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

SOU020520 Loyality is Not Blind

A Loyal Worker

There is a crisis in the American workplace. It is not a lack of money or jobs. It is not even a spiritual crisis. It is a need for outstanding workers. There is no doubt that there are some out there, but it is a dying breed. The workforce has been trained to think that it is all about them, what they deserve, and how to get the most from a company with the least amount of work. 

Scouts and Scouters understand that the key to a good workplace is the quality of the workers. The key to quality workers are those who love their job, take pride in their work and are loyal to the company. It is what use to be called, a good work ethic. Author Pearl S. Buck said, “The secret of joy in work is contained in one-word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”

“We meet God the Creator as a worker in Genesis 1. The image of God in man means man is to be a worker. The way we work will reveal how much we have allowed the image of God to develop in us.”

– R. Kent Hughes

Author

One of the reasons that so many are not performing with excellence and being the best workers is that they do not like what they do. That is a shame. If you do not like your job, go find one you do. Don’t fall on the excuse that the economy is terrible and no one is hiring. People find good jobs they love every day. How? They look for them and do not give up until they find them, or they create them. 

Scouts learn that employers are always looking for the best workers. Sadly, too many workers are just putting in the time. If you become a worker who strives for excellence, work hard and are willing to do more than is expected of you, you will be in high demand. Studies have shown that businesses look for people with Scouting experience. Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt who was a great supporter of Scouting, said, “Far and away, the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Be the example of a hard worker. Live by a strong work ethic and take pride in what you do. As a Scout, you are loyal, which means you do what is best for the whole company to succeed, not just yourself. Loyalty is not blind obedience to some leader; it is working to make the company excel in what it does by you excelling in what you do. It means that you can be depended on always to give your best and perform with excellence. Scouts should be the worker who sets the pace for all others. If you are the one who cares more about what you give than what you get, you will have more job offers than you could ever fill. It works if you do.

“Well done, good and faithful slave.  You were faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things….”

– Matthew 25:21

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

SOU020320 Loyal