The Scout Law: Courteous

September 29, 2025

As we journey through our twelve-part series on the Scout Law, we arrive at the fifth point: Courteous. Courtesy stands out as a call to treat others with respect and kindness, a value that shaped America’s communities throughout our country’s history. As the school year begins, teaching new scouts this principle reminds me how courtesy fosters harmony. In a world often marked by rudeness and haste, being courteous is a powerful way to honor others and strengthen our nation.

Courtesy means showing respect through words and actions, valuing others regardless of status or differences. In America’s past, courtesy was the norm. People tipped hats, held doors, and said, “Thank you, yes ma’am, and no sir”. Acting and speaking with civility, built trust in our communities. Today, with impatience and division on the rise, courtesy can feel rare, yet it’s vital. I like to think of courtesy as the polite oil that makes the machinery of our communities run smoother and better.

One of our older scouts, Leland, was a tall lanky kid, and he looked out for others. Mike was a brand-new scout, and about as short as a kid could be at the age of eleven. I could tell he was very uncomfortable around all the older scouts and had withdrawn to try to blend into the background. Leland would have none of it and, as we were broken out in teams working on a project, Leland grabbed Mike, and threw Mike on his shoulders, suddenly making Mike the “tallest” kid in the troop.

At his Eagle Board of Review, Mike recalled that moment as pivotal in keeping him in scouting. If Leland hadn’t done that simple act of courtesy, making Mike feel welcome, he may not have stayed in scouting. Leland’s act of courtesy opened the world of scouting up for Mike. Leland didn’t have to be nice, but he was. It made everyone feel better. Leland’s courtesy wasn’t just polite; it was a choice to honor others, inspiring those around him.

Scripture affirms this value. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul urges, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Courtesy reflects Christ’s humility, who treated all with dignity, from outcasts to Pharisees (Luke 7:36-50). God calls us to be courteous, not for praise, but to reflect His grace, showing respect even when it’s hard.

I am reminded of those times in my life when it seems chaos is overwhelming the people around me. I think some courtesy can completely change such a situation, and try to discern what God is doing in that chaotic moment. In such Bible situations, Jesus would act as a peacemaker. He said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus brought peace into the lives of his disciples and those He served by helping them to experience God. Suddenly, the storms of life were calm. We can do similar things for the people around us by simply saying kind or encouraging words when people don’t expect it.

Have you ever been in a moment of chaos and thought, “I could say a prayer for that person, and it might help them experience peace?” Try it sometime. There is no better time to help someone experience God as when the storms of chaos are crashing down on them.

Who in your life models courtesy? Perhaps it’s a coworker who speaks kindly under pressure, a neighbor who greets everyone warmly, or a friend who listens with care. These examples inspire us to live respectfully. As Philippians 3:17 encourages, “Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Your courtesy can influence others, young or old, as 1 Timothy 4:12 urges us to “set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

How might more courtesy strengthen our nation? Imagine communities where people speak with respect, listen to differing views, and value each other’s dignity. Courtesy builds trust and unity, values that made America great and can do so again. As we root ourselves in Christ, prayer and Scripture, guide us to live respectfully. Psalm 86:11 prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” Let’s commit to being courteous, reflecting God’s love.

Do you see yourself as courteous? When did you last show respect, even when it was challenging? Who has shaped your understanding of courtesy? Have you thanked them? How could more courtesy in our nation make us stronger today? Consider adding courtesy to your list of values and challenge your family to do the same. Praise be to God, whose grace teaches us to honor others! (To learn more about Al Earley or read previous articles, see www.lagrangepres.org. You can purchase my book, My Faith Journal, at Amazon.com, a compilation of 366 articles as a daily devotional. Check out my podcast on YouTube, called “My Faith Journey”).