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