CLEAN : THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, CLEAN and Reverent.

(Yes, these are out of order.  Sorry)

For centuries or more, most of us who have studied and taught the Bible, specifically the Pentateuch, have misinterpreted the meaning behind one of the Ten Commandments. It goes something like this 

1 No other gods!

2.No graven images! (gods)

3. Don't curse using God's name!  No "GDs!"

4. Keep the Sabbath Holy!

Wait.  What?  

Here in these commandments are God's directives about no other Gods, then He addresses cursing?  Odd, don't you think? But that's how it's been taught.  In fact, at least so far as my studying has revealed - the Third commandment is better translated as "Don't take on God's name lightly."  Or, put another way, if you're going to claim to follow God, you damn well better do it in a way that does not dishonor his name!  And no, I'm not advocating using God's name in swearing.

Similarly, the points of the Scout Law, especially "Clean", can be misinterpreted or interpreted too literally.  The Scout Laws all address attitudes and behaviors, not physical issues and so the idea of "Clean" specifically referring to physical cleanliness misses the mark.  Let it be known though, I have known some less than clean scouts and more than once this particular Law has been employed to remedy an odor problem.

Generally the idea of "Clean" is addressing one's mental and even spiritual purity, implying one cannot fulfill the ideal of scouting if one's mind is cluttered with mental manure.  

Paul wrote in Ephesians to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior."

In Philippians he wrote "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

In Psalm 24 King David wrote

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
    who do not worship idols
    and never tell lies.

A Scout is CLEAN.  It's a heart issue, an admonition not to take in nor dwell upon anything that is not pure, lovely, or admirable.  Avoid arrogance, judgement, idolatry, lust, revenge and don't take in anything which diminishes one's character or pollutes one's values.  Focus on what is good and excellent.

And don't forget the deodorant.

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