Boy Scout Troop 104. Scotch Plains, NJ. I was never much of a Boy Scout, at least as far as earning merit badges went. I liked the camping, and we had a pretty wild patrol, as we were nicknamed the Pyromaniacs. Jiffy juice was our thing, aka lighter fluid, and we loved to start fires with it, fortunately we never did much damage. But fun we did have, and many times at other troops' expense. At one Jamboree, this one troop set up a huge Army barracks style tent-these guys were so good it was disgusting. We nicknamed them the Hitler Youth-they were militaristic, and as far as we could see perfection was their only flaw. Did I mention how modest they weren't? And how they hated us. These guys could have stormed the beaches at Normandy! Even their latrine had a small tent around it-that somehow caught fire! More than once! And of course, we were right next to them in our little pup tents, a fact they reminded us of. So the only "good" scout thing to do, was to remind them of who we were, and we cut the ropes on one side of their tent. In the middle of the night, as they slept! And the side fell in, while we just laid inside our tents and laughed, amongst all the confusion going on outside our little tents. While they hurried around trying to repair it in the dark, using only flashlights for guidance. No one even accused us, and we never did fess up to it. So of course could never take credit for it. Until now. Hope there is a Boy Scout statute of limitations!
In a complete reversal, we also had to do demonstrations of various skills, and I was paired with Steve Jacobs, from another patrol, who was knot junkie. This kid could tie all kinds of knots, and could literally tie me in knots, if he wanted to, and that weekend he could have. He taught me a few knots, and I was to demonstrate them. I was the kid who had trouble tying his neckerchief. Fortunately my memory lasted just long enough for Mr. Deyerle and the others to see me tie them, and they were impressed. But poor Steve got passed over, as he had only taught me-I had only demonstrated them. My five minutes of knot tying fame. And although I told Mr. Deyerle I had only just learned them, it was Steve's knot tying skills, I got the credit. And it still bothers me. Steve, if you're out there, I tried-it was all about you. Sorry you didn't get the credit due. Consider it done.
Although we may be reticent to admit it, we all have been in Steve's position. Misunderstood. And not getting credit where credit is due. But too often we blame others for our indiscretions, rather than take credit for our own sin. Job's friend Eliphaz was like that. When he confronted Job in his agony, he told him that it must be sin in his life, that was why he was suffering. Blind to as to what was really going on in heaven. And I watch as a false religious dogma is prevalent in many churches. If you are suffering, "you must be in sin" they tell the oppressed victim. Somewhere they take Eliphaz's attitude that only God knows the sin, it must be so big only He can see it. But when it comes to suffering in their life, then "the devil is attacking them." Manure! And a cop out. God knows what is going on, and just like Job has the situation fully under control. And believe me, those poor in spirit that say these things have obviously never been under real spiritual attack. They don't need to be, they have created their own unscriptural attack, and don't need the devil's assistance. But they do need God's!
God allows tough times so we will run to Him and let Him be God. If you were never sick, you would never know Him as the great physician. No needs-you would be Jehovah Jirah! No sin-you would never have gotten to know Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. You see, God tells us that all things work together for good to those who are His. And what the devil meant for evil, He means for good.
Don't leave the Jamboree before it is over! God will take you through your situation, and bless you! LET HIM! Quit blaming others, and accept responsibility. Give unto God what is His-your life! And watch the blessings flow! He wants to be God, and wants to show a way only He could show you-are you up to the challenge?
A Boy Scout is reverent. And God wants that of you. He is always watching, and knows who cut the tent ropes that night. Boy-am I glad I am forgiven. And even gladder of His justice-those other guys were pretty big!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
