Considerate of Others

There is a trap that all Scouts and Scouters must avoid at all costs. That is the popular thinking of “looking out for number one.” Let me make this clear from the start, you, my friend, are not number one. The world does not and never will revolve around you. Leadership expert Dr. John C. Maxwell puts it clearly: “With the exception of one, the world is made up of other people.”

The reason this is such a common trap for Scouts is that we are people who go after what they want. We know that if we are to achieve our dreams, we must do it our self. The mistake is when we think we do not need others to do that. You can never succeed on your own. You need others, and others need you. Scouts are concerned about the dreams of others as they are their own.

“You don’t live in a world all your own.  Your brothers are here too.”

Albert Schweitzer

1875-1965

Medical Missionary

Writer and Editor Elbert Hubbard pointed out that, “Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: The only way to help yourself is to help others.” The selfish, “me first” attitude that our society has embraced is one of the most destructive behaviors we have. It leads to greed, crime, addictions, and corruption on every level. When people think only of themselves, there are no moral limits on what they can do. They feel justified in being dishonest or cheating because it is helping them get what they want. This is a dangerous place to be.

Scouts learn that by thinking of others and helping them, you are protecting yourself. Author and speaker Jim Rohn said, “One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” When we take the focus away from our own needs and look to the care and assistance of others, we put up a guard from that selfish spirit that has caused so many to fail.

Even Christ Himself did not come for His good but ours. He came to serve not to be served. He came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Yet, He fulfilled His purpose and His desire to reconcile man to God. If Christ as able to unselfishly serve others, who are we to think we have to look out for ourselves first? Isn’t He the example to follow?

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”

Romans 12:10

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