8:00AM: Vanguard Scouting (LDS) Daily Devotions

Tuesday, 07/25: Obedient

Scripture

Deuteronomy 11:13 – “It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Thought for the Day

Just what is “it” that shall come about you may ask. Good question! This verse is one of Moses’ “if/then” teachings. If you are obedient, then good things will follow. Working the fields in Egypt was very difficult, in part due to the lack of water. In the very dry summers water had to be elevated from the ponds and canals with crude animal- and human-powered water wheels and cylindrical pumps.

The Lord, through Moses, encourages the weary Israelites by telling them that the promised land is a place where the rains come down from heaven to water the land. The rain is the “then.” Obedience is the “if.”

In a culture that promotes individualism, obedience is sometimes uncomfortable, but the Scout Law includes it. Let’s think about when obedience is most important. Your parents and adult Scouters likely have what is best for you in mind when they lay down rules. Listen and respond appropriately. Save the eye-rolling for something else. This applies to any chores you are assigned. If you get a “no,” consider why the person in authority answered that way rather than immediately arguing. Express any disagreement politely and directly to the person with whom you disagree, not to your buddies. Be sure to pay attention and really listen when instructions are given. It really helps to understand what is expected of you. It is not always wrong to question authority, but there is always a wrong way to do it. Avoid airing out your differences in a public situation. A reputation for being respectful and considerate goes a long way. If we are appropriately obedient, then good things will follow.

Obedience applies to our faith life as well. Obedience implies commitment and appropriate humility in the face of both good and bad times. Making choices that reflect your faith is a form of obedience as well. With that should come the understanding that it is never OK to judge others based on their beliefs and obedience to their faith.

Questions for Discussion

• How does obedience translate to the Troop or Patrol level? How can we guard against the abuse of authority?
• What are some possible legitimate limits to obedience?

Prayer

Sovereign God, to whom I owe full obedience, help me to recognize and respect those in authority over me. Allow me to listen carefully and know what is expected of me. Guide me toward a reputation of being respectful and considerate. A Scout is obedient. Amen.