INTEGRITY
Wilderness faith realizes the importance of first things, unfiltered by the interpretations of following generations and their compounded institutions. It is human nature to tilt things to protect ones advantage. Therefore over time, a slight tilt can lead to a distance from original truth that defies the capability of the searcher’s vision.
Baden Powell’s first Scout Law is, “A Scout’s Honor Is To Be Trusted.” If one says yes it is yes, no it is no. If one promises to do something, it is done to the best of one’s ability and nothing shall interfere with the effort. Powell is very specific with the importance of this law, “ If a Scout were to break his honor by telling a lie, or not carrying out an order when trusted on his honor to do so,he may be directed to hand over his Scout Badge and never wear it again. He may also be directed cease to be a Scout.”
Why is this the only Scout Law that specifies such a harsh reaction to one’s disobedience? Because the wilderness teaches that truth is the absolute trait necessary for survival. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8: 32) Truth is the essence of what makes anything important, and the ultimate responsibility of free will. Paul lifted up three great virtues found in 1 Corinthians 13, "Faith, Hope, and Love, the greatest of these is Love." However, all is nothing unless there is true faith, true hope, and true love.
The human application of truth is called integrity. I define integrity as, "Being the same on the inside as one is on the outside." Integrity allows for error and forgiveness. Over time, the wilderness reveals absolute truth to those who have integrity. Often, during life in the wilderness, I have had conversations with fellow travelers centered around this statement, “There was a day when you didn’t need a contract, only a person’s handshake and their word was necessary.” This universe still exists, rarely between humans and the institutions they create, but more often between souls governed by integrity.
Baden Powell’s first Scout Law is, “A Scout’s Honor Is To Be Trusted.” If one says yes it is yes, no it is no. If one promises to do something, it is done to the best of one’s ability and nothing shall interfere with the effort. Powell is very specific with the importance of this law, “ If a Scout were to break his honor by telling a lie, or not carrying out an order when trusted on his honor to do so,he may be directed to hand over his Scout Badge and never wear it again. He may also be directed cease to be a Scout.”
Why is this the only Scout Law that specifies such a harsh reaction to one’s disobedience? Because the wilderness teaches that truth is the absolute trait necessary for survival. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8: 32) Truth is the essence of what makes anything important, and the ultimate responsibility of free will. Paul lifted up three great virtues found in 1 Corinthians 13, "Faith, Hope, and Love, the greatest of these is Love." However, all is nothing unless there is true faith, true hope, and true love.
The human application of truth is called integrity. I define integrity as, "Being the same on the inside as one is on the outside." Integrity allows for error and forgiveness. Over time, the wilderness reveals absolute truth to those who have integrity. Often, during life in the wilderness, I have had conversations with fellow travelers centered around this statement, “There was a day when you didn’t need a contract, only a person’s handshake and their word was necessary.” This universe still exists, rarely between humans and the institutions they create, but more often between souls governed by integrity.
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