You Can Be Trusted

There are many areas where trust is shown. In telling the truth, not taking what is not yours and that you will do the right thing. However, the most profound degree of trust is one that cannot be easily explained. It is that trust that you give a friend or loved one. A trust that believes that you are safe with this person and that they desire your best. Author George MacDonald put it this way: “Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.”

People who believe in the Scout Oath & Law should be the kind of friend and loved one who others feel they can be safe with. When you are told the inner secrets of others, they should be confident that you would never share that information with anyone. They do not have to ask or check on you. They know you are a safe person in their life. Someone once said, “A true friend never breaches the trust of his companions or stabs him in his back. He is trustworthy and reliable. One should therefore always try to be a true and reliable friend.”

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”

George MacDonald

1824-1905

Author

The Scout Oath & Law directs us to be trusted, not because we can keep secrets, but because we know the value of trust. We know that when you are trusted, you hold a great responsibility to be faithful to that trust. There is no higher responsibility we can have. 

To be trusted is of great advantage in the business world. Businessman and founder of the J.C. Penny Department Stores, James Cash Penny, said, “Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.” People want to know that the people they work with and are trustworthy. Without that, you have fear, disloyalty and corruption. We can see that in the fall of some of the major corporations and government agencies. No one has shown they can be trusted and therefore, no one can be trusted.

I believe that in the heart of all of us is a desire to be a trustworthy person. As Scouts, we want to have those who trust us know that their trust is not wasted. People who follow the Scout Oath & Law will hold confidence, show loyalty to a business or church, and will be faithful always to do what is best for others before they think of themselves. They know that, as Albert Einstein said, “Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.”  Scouters can be trusted in all matters because being trustworthy is just part of who we are.

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.”

Proverbs 22:1

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