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