You Are What You Read

 

People do different things when they go into the homes and offices of others. Some look at the artwork and how it is decorated. Some people like to peek in people’s medician cabinets or refrigerators. I look at their books. I can learn a lot from the books on a person’s shelves – or lack of them. I believe, as a Roman statesman, Marcus Tullius Cicero said, “A home without books is a body without a soul.”

Scouts and Scouters should be passionate readers. However, my experience tells me that many are not. I have heard all the basic excuses for not spending time with books. “I am not a good reader.” “I don’t like reading.” “I have to read so much in school that I don’t want to do it in my free time.” The excuses go on and on. Sadly, they all boil down to one reason. It is called laziness.

“If a man is known by the company he keeps,

so also his character is reflected in the books he reads.”

J. Oswald Sanders

1902-1992

Author

 

Here is the truth about reading. We have more access to books and reading material than ever in human history. Not so long ago, if you wanted to take books with you on a trip, you had to lug several volumes along with all your other stuff. Today you can bring entire libraries full of books all stored in your phone. Not only can you get any text you want on a device, but there are thousands of them for free. There is no excuse for not finding something that interests you, or that will help you on your path in life.

One of the greatest privileges we have is the ability to read. If you are reading this post, you have that gift. Do not let it be wasted. Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” Books can open doors of opportunity for you, unlike anything you will find. Books offer adventure, skills, knowledge, and power. Formal education is limited, but books have no limits and no expiration date. You can read the work from great men and women centuries-old or those who wrote only yesterday.

As a Scout, make books a constant companion. It does not matter if they are hard copies you hold in your hand or electronic versions on your phone or tablet. What matters is that you read the. Read what you enjoy. The range of material is vast. Fiction, nonfiction, science fiction, biography, technology, crafts, sports, or even cooking. They are all there waiting for you to discover then. Once you do, I promise you; the adventure will never end.

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

SOU032520 Reverent

Imitate Who?

 

I have told you before, and I still hold to it, I am so grateful that I grew up during a time when we had heroes. Heroes were more than people we admired and whose example we followed. Our heroes were the people we wanted to become. They were to ones we imitated.

That act of imitating the people we admire has not changed. That is basic human behavior. What has changed are the qualities and values which we use to make those we call heroes. Somewhere along the line, we took a turn from those who do good and are people of character and integrity to people who have negative attitudes, seek out fights, and refuse to think of anyone besides themselves. As a Scout, what you must understand is that the example you follow is up to you, not the person who you are looking to follow.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders,

but they have never failed to imitate them.”

James Baldwin

1924-1987

Author

 

Scouts and Scouters have a significant advantage when it comes to finding heroes. The Scout Oath and Law give us a list of qualities that we need to seek out in those whose example we want to follow. The Oath and Law also give us the direction we need to set an example for those whose lives we will influence. We influence no one more than our children. Actor Johnny Depp said, “When you have children, there is no room for lies, no room for anything but the truth. Anything other than that is a bad example, I believe.”

Always remember that heroes are important. It is important to have heroes who we can follow and whose example we use as a road map to good character and right living. It is also essential to be a hero. Some may say that we do not set out to be a hero; it just happens to us. I do not believe that is true. Being a hero is a place of responsibility and honor. These are deliberate acts that we not only choose, but we develop throughout our lives. As a Scout, look at the rich heritage of heroes in Scouting over its 110-year history. Make it your goal to add your name to that list.

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

Duty to God

 

Responsible Cash Flow

 

Scouts and Scouters face a real threat that comes with the achievement of their dreams. That is a success. Especially financial success. The sudden gain of wealth has ruined many a well-intentioned person. Just as we talked about being prepared for success, you must be prepared to handle wealth as well. Money is like fire. If managed and controlled correctly, it can do great good. If misused and allowed to go wild, it destroys everything in its path.

Allow me to point out three things all Scouts should remember about wealth:

One is that money is never meant to be used to compete with another’s lifestyles. O. Donald Olson said, “The average American is busy buying things he doesn’t want with money he doesn’t have to impress people he doesn’t like.” The Scouter, who knows how to handle wealth, never allows his or her lifestyle to run ahead of their income. They are thrifty, practical, and live a comfortable everyday life.

“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out

almost every other area of his life.”

Billy Graham

1918-2018

Evangelist

 

Second, wealth is a blessing and should be enjoyed. I am not talking about spending it on big houses and little cars, but to be able to live a life that you want and free from the burdens of debts. Scouters who have achieved wealth should never be in debt. Scripture tells us that the debtor is a slave to the lender. Wealth allows you never to be a slave again.

Third, and the most important, wealth is the result of hard work and achievement. It comes from the service you provide to others. Never allow wealth to distract you from that. Never stop working and serving others. Henry Ford said, “Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by-product of providing a useful service.” Never make money your goal. Money in itself is useless and far too unstable. Make your goal to serve others and provide a useful product. Let wealth be the reward of your hard work, not the cause of it.

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

SOU031820 Do What Counts

Should a Scout Tithe?

 

If there is an issue that causes heated debate in the Christian Church, it is the subject of tithing. The sad thing is that there should never be a question about how much we should give to the Lord. It is all His. All we have or will have is His. A better way to think is how much is He giving to us. God does not need your money; you need to give it. This is for you and your development. It is not to support the church or keep pastors out of the poor house; it is for you and your growth. Dave Ramsey said, “I call this the great misunderstanding, the idea that we give because churches need our money.”

Scouts and Scouters learn that God provides the needs for His work and His people. However, He does not just drop money from the sky. In His great wisdom and plan, God allows His people to earn money – for some a great deal of money – and we then have the privilege of being the avenues He uses to supply the needs of others and His work. It saddens me to see believers in Jesus Christ who have been financially blessed fussing over what they owe in a tithe. I think of the words of the great John Wesley, who said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

“God doesn’t need us to give Him our money. He owns everything.

Tithing is God’s way to grow Christians.”

Adrian Rogers

1934-2005

Pastor

 

As we review our finances, the tithe should be the first thing we account for. God blesses those who bless Him. Scouts learn you do not give to get from God or to win His favor. His love was never and will never be, based on the amount you give. Again, there is a principle being taught here. It is a character issue for Christian. Want to know where your heart is? Look at how you deal with money. Henry Ford pointed out, “Money doesn’t change men, it merely unmasks them. If a man is naturally selfish, or arrogant, or greedy, the money brings it out: that’s all.”

As a Scout, you must understand that the tithe is not the total amount you give; it is the starting point. It is the sacred duty of the Scout to tithe. It is done cheerfully and without regret. Once that is done, then we can look at what we can give to others. You do not and should not give to every cause or ministry that asks. Connect to those you have a passion for and share your values. Invest in the things of God; do not just throw your money at them. God does not need your money; He needs you.

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

SOU031620 Secret Help

 

Great Generosity

 

In the last reading, I talked about those who may not have financial resources but can be considered wealthy. The example I used was missionaries or those in similar work serving the Lord and others. They are working their dream, their purpose, although the financial reward that often follows others is not theirs. They are indeed the definition of a success-minded person. Jim Rohn said, “Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.”

There are many things to look at when we talk of generosity; however, I wish to focus here on just one, and that is the responsibility of those with wealth to those who serve in missions. 

“Whatever thrift is, it is not avarice.  Avarice is not generous; and, after all,

it is the thrifty people who are generous.”

Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery

1847-1929

Former British Prime Minister

 

Those who feel they have been called to the mission field have a burning passion for bringing the Gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world. They are willing to leave all the comforts and material blessings behind to focus on those they are called to serve. I believe that they should not be spending their valuable time and energy out raising money to do the work they are kept from because they have to be out raising money.

For those of us who achieve our dreams in business, education, the pulpit, medicine, or any other line, we have the advantage of the rewards that achievement brings. For some successful people, wealth has been a great blessing to them. Yet we are all called to reach the world for Christ. The command to go into the entire world is for all of us. For too long, many in the Church have separated the mission field from the workplace. We feel that those who are called have the responsibility to go. Charles Spurgeon said, “If there be anyone part in which the Christian Church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.”

Those who cannot go should be supporting those who do. It is a partnership among believers that too often is forgotten by those who have the means to keep it. Leonard Ravenhill sadly said, “Today Christians spend more money on dog food than missions.” Scouts and Scouters know that it is their responsibility to support those on the mission field. Find someone you know and be their most active supporter. It is the least we can do.

I know you are thinking, “What does this have to do with Scouting?” One fundamental principle in life that every Scout must learn is to support something greater than themselves. It can be a great life lesson as well as a blessing for any Scout or Scouter to support a missionary and regular bases. You may think that your small amount will make little difference. Your little difference can make a big difference to someone who is serving on the mission field.

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

SOU031120 Help for Free

A Poor State of Mind

 

Just as it is a myth that wealth is nothing more than money, poverty is not only a lack of funds. Some people have very little in the way of finances who are wealthy, and many who have a great deal of money who are poor. Poverty, as with wealth, is a state of mind and not a bank balance.

When I talk of successful people who gained their success through hard work and determination, some may think I believe that all those who are poor do not work hard and are not determined. Here is the reality. Many are lacking in the sense that they have little money. I do, however, believe that unless your dream is to serve in ways that do not produce an income, you can achieve wealth through hard work and a focus on your goals. Some people are called to the mission field for an example that will never have great wealth in money. Missions do not produce products that bring in an income. Missionaries must rely on the Lord to move on the hearts of those who have finances to give. These dear people on the mission field are very much successful people.

“The difference between the rich and the poor is that the rich invest their money and spend what’s left, while the poor spend their money and invest what’s left.”

Old Saying

 

Some are poor who have chosen to live that way by possessing a poverty mindset. They do not work and feel that the world owes them. They fuss about their rights and benefits, all the while giving back very little to those they feel so free to take from. You will find that these people have a far deeper desire for money than most of the wealthiest among us. As former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said, “It is not the creation of wealth that is wrong, but the love of money for its own sake.”

I will talk of giving later, but Scouts and Scouters must accept that not all people will be willing to work to achieve their dreams. There are those in the world who are so deeply stuck in a poverty mindset that they will forever be on the take. Where I am in full support of helping those who need help (again, more later), I believe we hurt those who can work and do not by taking care of them. It is wisdom that says you must teach these people to fish, or you allow them to go hungry. Hunger can be an excellent motivator for the able-bodied person.

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

SOU030920 Help at Home

 

SOU030420 Can I Help

Waste not Want not

 

Scouts learn that thrift is not just a matter of money. To be frugal means you do not waste things like money, goods, or time. How we spend our time is the most decisive factor in the attainment of wealth. People who sit around waiting for wealth and good fortune to come their way never attain wealth. Dave Ramsey, author and financial advisor says, “The average millionaire can’t tell you who got thrown off the island last night.”

People waste their time in many ways. Some are lazy and sit around doing little to improve themselves. Some are fearful and refuse to step out and go after their dream in fear that they will fail. Author Gary Ryan Blair said, “Creative risk-taking is essential to success in any goal where the stakes are high. Thoughtless risks are destructive, of course, but perhaps even more wasteful is thoughtless caution which prompts inaction and promotes failure to seize opportunity.”

“Waste neither time nor money, but make the best of both. Without industry and frugality,

nothing will do and with them everything.”

Benjamin Franklin

1706-1790

American Statesman

 

Scouts and Scouters understand that they are only given so much time on this planet. No one knows precisely how long that is, so every moment counts. As coach George Allen Sr. said, “Every day you waste is one you can never make up.” That means you have to start right now, making the most of your time. Deal with it wisely and with purpose. That doesn’t mean you can never rest again; rest is a fair use of time when correctly done. You only need to understand that your days are indeed numbered, and that number only goes down.

As a Scout, you must plan your days, know your goals, and where you are going. Use time wisely and do not waste it. Your time is more incredible wealth than money. You can gain money and lose it and gain it again. Time can only be used once, it cannot be saved, and you will never gain one minute more. The great thing, however, is that God gives you enough time to do what He has created you to do. No need to fear or worry; you have all the time you need if you use it with thrift and purpose.

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

SOU030220 Helpful