The Scout Law: Loyal

September 1, 2025

This week we look at the second point of the Scout Law: Loyal. When I first fell in love with scouting it was the adventure: campouts, hiking, canoeing, and so many other adrenaline pumping experiences. As I grew older I learned that being a scout meant more than canoeing the wilderness and hiking mountains, it meant living by principles that shape character. When you are a young scout, you depend on others more than you ever know, and you don’t really have a clue. When you become older you realize that, in anything that is important, the group needs to be able to depend on one another. That is loyalty. It is a steadfast commitment to God, family, friends and country. It’s a value that built the backbone of America’s greatness, fostering trust and unity in communities. As we guide new scouts this school year, teaching loyalty offers a chance to reflect on how this trait strengthens our lives and our nation.

Loyalty means standing by those you care about, even when it’s inconvenient or costly. In America’s past, loyalty was the glue that held communities together—neighbors supported neighbors, and citizens rallied for shared causes. Today, in a world of fleeting commitments and divided loyalties, this value feels both rare and vital. Being loyal isn’t just about allegiance; it’s about choosing to honor relationships and principles, even under pressure.

Periodically, we have had scouts with special needs. Zack was not always easy to get along with, but he was a member of our troop. On a snorkeling trip he was struggling to follow the rules of safe swimming. He didn’t understand the dangers of the ocean. When he got in trouble, the whole crew rallied to protect him and help teach him how important following safety rules are. Zack would go on to earn his Eagle award, a bigger challenge for him than most scouts. I was very proud of him and our troop’s loyalty to help him earn this prestigious award.

Scripture affirms this value. In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Loyalty reflects Christ’s sacrificial love, calling us to prioritize others, even when it costs us. The book of Ruth has powerful lessons to teach about loyalty. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is exemplified in these words, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth shows a commitment that transcends personal gain. God calls us to be loyal, not out of obligation, but as an expression of love and integrity.

Loyalty also shapes those around us. The temptation for older scouts is to hang out with each other and ignore the younger scouts but one of the lessons of loyalty we teach is that the older scouts have a responsibility to help the younger scouts grow, learn, advance and have fun. We have built a strong tradition of this kind of loyalty and I commonly watch older scouts leave conversations with their friends to go help a younger scout. When this happens, the smile on the younger scouts face reveals the power of loyalty in any organization. Their smile says, “I have been noticed, and I want to be a part of this kind of group.”

Have you thought about what loyalty means in your life? Perhaps it’s staying true to a struggling friend, honoring a commitment to your family, or standing up for your values despite opposition. Reflect on a time when loyalty required sacrifice. How did it deepen your relationships or shape your character?

Who in your life exemplifies loyalty? Maybe it’s a spouse who supports you through challenges, a colleague who defends your work, or a mentor who never wavers in their guidance. These models inspire us to live faithfully. As Philippians 3:17 urges, “Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Your loyalty can influence others, whether you’re young or old.

How might more loyalty strengthen our nation? Imagine a country where people honor their commitments, stand by their communities, and work for the common good. Loyalty fosters trust, unity, and resilience, values that made America great and can do so again. As we root ourselves in Christ, prayer and Scripture guide us to live loyally. Psalm 86:11 prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” Let’s commit to being loyal, reflecting God’s steadfast love. Who has shaped your understanding of loyalty? Have you thanked them? Consider adding loyalty to your list of values and challenge your family to do the same. Praise be to God, whose faithfulness anchors our loyalty! (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”).