BE A FRIEND

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BADEN POWELL'S FOURTH SCOUT LAW

  “ A SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ALL, AND A BROTHER TO EVERY OTHER SCOUT, NO MATTER TO WHAT SOCIAL CLASS THE OTHER BELONGS.”

 There are no social classes in the wilderness.  Social classes are created to give people an artificial advantage over others.  Sadly, they create Snobs.  Of all human images, the Snob is the most pathetic.  The wilderness quickly exposes such images, and artificial advantage quickly disappears.  Someone who forces their sense of privilege upon a relationship in the wilderness will soon find themselves alone.  More, such a person may inspire resentments, which could endanger their survival and possibly the survival of others.  The world humans create is not exempt from the laws of the wilderness, they are just not as quickly exposed.  However, their delayed consequence often produces shared catastrophe far greater than in the wild.

 The human advantage in the wilderness is found in the power of stewardship, and this principle applies to our relationship with other humans.  If another human needs help it is OUR duty and privilege to help.  When giving help in the wilderness, it is important to remember, “Actions speak louder than words.”  Giving someone verbal instruction is an action, but demonstration honors the recipient and the effect is longer lasting.  One of the wonders of wilderness living, is how natural it is to lower your voice, and use words sparingly.

 The Bible has a principle that illustrates wilderness truth.  I sum it up in two Scriptures:  
"IF ANYONE DESRES TO BE FIRST, THEY SHALL BE LAST AND THE SERVANT OF ALL."
 Mark 9: 35b

"SO THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST, FOR MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN."
 MATTHEW 20:16

The first scripture is found within the context of the disciple arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God.  In compassion, Jesus gives them wilderness instruction for how to accomplish this end.  The second scripture is found within the context of workers who are angry because their employer has been generous and paid other workers enough to feed their families although they did not work as long as they had.  This scripture is a warning.

 Tomorrow another story.

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