Duty to God part 2

Duty to God is far more than going to church and earning a religious emblem. A Scout shows their Duty to God by being a servant of God. That means that their thoughts and action are based on pleasing God as best they can. Scouts understand that there are not and never will be perfect. If that were possible, they would not need a Savior. However, they do not use their lack of perfection as an excuse for doing wrong.

Scouts learn that duty is not something we come by naturally. We do not do our duty without thinking about it. Duty is always deliberate and purposeful. It is a choice we make every time we perform it. Doing our duty, in whatever form that takes, is done to improve us and those around us. President Abraham Lincoln said “I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition but to assist in ameliorating mankind.”

“Reverence to God and reverence for one’s neighbor and reverence for oneself as

a servant of God is the basis of every form of religion.”

Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Duty to God comes as we read and study His word (the Bible). It is shown in our times of prayer and our service to others. The Apostel James said “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27. Simply put, the Message translation says, “Anyone who sets himself up as ‘religious’ by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”

Each of us has a Duty to God. After all, He is the one who created us and has provided for us this wonderful earth and all its treasures. It was out of His great love for us that He sent His only Son to die for our sins. Jesus, God’s only Son, paid the price that we could not pay so that we can be with God forever. This alone is reason enough for us to give Him our loyalty and to do a high duty to Him.

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

SOU022620 Call to Duty

Duty to God part 1

Duty to God is one of those phrases that lost its meaning over time. Today, many think of duty as rules and being forced to do things you do not wish to do. Duty has nothing to do with rules. Duty is doing what you are expected to do – and a bit more – without being told to do it. General Robert E. Lee said, “Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.”

Scouts learn that duty is a matter of honor. By neglecting to perform our Duty to God, our family, our country, and each other, we dishonor our self. At one time, duty as part of our social thinking. It was important for people to be seen as someone who did his or her duty. Today Scouts and Scouters still hold that responsibility for themselves. They know that there is something that is expected of them. Their duty is to do what is right and do it every time. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie said, “Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.”

“We never fail when we try to do our duty; we always fail when we neglect to do it.”

Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Duty to God is found in our relationship with Christ. Judge Roy Moore said, “To do my duty, I must obey God.” As a Christian, you know that there is a standard you live by. God has called us to be holy, right, and good. The principles of the Christian life are not up for evaluation or debate. As believers in Christ, we have a duty to follow Him. Just as Scouts, we have a duty to follow and obey the Oath & Law. It is the duty of every Christian, Scout or not, to be an example to the world of what it is like to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a duty we take seriously and willingly.

Scouts learn that they have other duties as well. They have a duty to their family to serve, protect, and love them. To help them succeed and be the best they can be. A duty to their country to obey its laws and protect its honor. They have a duty to others to serve and show kindness and encouragement. By performing well in all these areas, a Scout is doing his Duty to God.

For the Scouts and Scouters who believe in their values and has a robust desire to do what is right, duty is a natural outcome. Duty, like all the characteristics of Scouting, is not based on rules and restrictions, it is freeing and liberating. It is based on choice. We choose to do our Duty to God, willingly and freely. That is what makes us free. 

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

SOU022420 Doing Your Duty

A Loyal Leader

In a business, church, Troop or Patrol, often thoughts of loyalty are directed to the leader. Those who are loyal to the leader often tell other people they need to be loyal to their leader. Really, the opposite is more important. Is the leader loyal to the people they serve? The leader should always be the servant to those who follow them, not the other way around. As J. Oswald Sanders points out: “True greatness, true leadership, found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”

Scouts know that leadership holds a great responsibility. As a leader, you must bring others to the place where they can succeed and fulfill their God-given purpose. Author John Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” A leader must never drive, manipulate, or force others to follow them. If they are a leader, others will follow because they know this person knows where they are going and they wish to come along.

“The loyalty of your men is a sacred trust you carry.  It is something which must never be betrayed, something you must live up to.”

Sir Ernest Shackleton

1874-1922

Explorer

John D. Rockefeller pointed out that, “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” Scouts know that they are to help others be their best and to succeed in what they do. A loyal leader will never set people up to fail. They will do all in their power to allow others to succeed and to give others the credit for the success. Scouts follow this system: When the team succeeds give others the credit, when they fail you take the responsibility.

People will follow a humble and fair leader. No one wants to be controlled by a leader who is looking out for his or her own interests. The leader who is humble is one who looks out for the interest of their team. Remember that humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking about yourself less. Andrew Carnegie said, “No man will be a great leader who wants to do it all himself and get all the credit for it.”

Scouts understand that one is too small a number for success and they need the team. By being loyal to others, others are loyal to them. It is as U.S. President John Quincy Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 9:35

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