THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AND THE SCOUT LAW

I was thinking recently about a point that I have made many times to this troop. The point I am referring to is this. In this troop, we follow the Scout Law not so much on account of the fact that in order to be a Boy Scout we must promise to follow this law. Indeed, we have a more important reason to follow this law. This more important reason is that it is our Lord's will for our life to follow this law.

In this Scoutmaster Minute, I want to reflect on one place in particular where we can see our Lord calling us to follow the Scout law. This place is a place where our God teaches us about what is the fruit of the Spirit. I am referring to Galatians 5:22-23.

New King James Version

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

(Write the fruit of the Spirit on the marker board in one column.)

Let us take a moment to compare the fruit of the spirit as described here in Galatians 5:22-23 with the Scout Law.

(Ask the Scouts to recite the Scout Law. While the Scouts recite the Scout Law, write down the twelve points on the marker board in a second column.)

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

What comparisons can we make between the fruit of the Spirit and the Scout Law? What fruits of the Spirit are demonstrated by each of the twelve points of the Scout Law? What points of the Scout Law are related to each fruit of the Spirit?

(Spend some time receiving comments from the Scout. For each comparison, draw a line connecting the given fruit of the Spirit to a related point of the Scout Law.)

So, as you can see, the Scout Law has a lot to do with the fruit of the spirit. Let us follow the Scout Law because we know that in doing so we will be bearing the fruit of the spirit that our Lord desires from each of his children.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord,

Bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the hearts, minds, and bodies of young people.

Let us remember what they have taught and apply it daily.

When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy.

If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal.

Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful.

In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous.

Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind.

Though lawbreaking and rule-scoffing are common, let us be Obedient.

While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful.

In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty.

When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave.

As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean.

While witnessing impiety and irreligion, let us remember to be Reverent.

Amen