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