Cleaning Out the Garbage

 

Addictions are not anything new. People have suffered from addictions since man has been on the earth. The human condition is such that we are truly creatures of habit. Some habits are good, and some are bad – but all are habits. Charles Noble correctly said, "First, we make our habits, then our habits make us."It all comes down to whether you want to control your habits or have your habits control you.

Scouts come to understand that there is a difference between doing something from habit and an addiction. Addictions are never acceptable. The addiction can be to chemicals like drugs, alcohol, food, or medication, or they can have more of an emotional base like that of bad relationships, sex, fame, pride, or greed. No matter nature, all addictions take you out of control and make you a slave. American Historian Christopher Lasch said, "Drugs are merely the most obvious form of addiction in our society. Drug addiction is one of the things that undermine traditional values."Addictions make people weak and unable to live lives of victory.

"God doesn't seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones,

but He must have clean ones."

D. L. Moody

1837-1899

Evangelist

 

Scouts learn that the overcoming of addictions is the making of a better, more moral society. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children." Scouting principles are not just for now but also to make a better future for our children and our children's children. One of Scouting's motivators is to create a more moral and wholesome society to live in. That means that we must remove the unclean habits of our life and be an example to others.

Scouting realizes that there will always be people who are slaves to addictions of every kind. We understand that there will be evil and wickedness in the world until the Lord returns; however, that is not a reason for giving in to uncleanness. Scouts know that even if they only clean up their act, that is one less person in the world doing wrong. The way to a better world is only through making ourselves better. It will not happen by passing laws or controlling people; it only occurs with a transformed life: the Holy Spirit's work. Let it start with us. As German Philosopher Johanna Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the world will be clean."

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