The Values that Made America Great

August 18, 2025

When I was eleven I joined Troop 315 of the Boy Scouts of America. New scouts were required to memorize the twelve points of the Scout Law, and be able to explain each one. We were told that if we lived by these twelve points we would not only be great scouts, but excellent citizens. That made sense to me, and so I made a personal commitment to do to live by the Scout Law.

Many decades later I am still involved in Scouting, and can repeat the Scout Law as fast as I can talk. The choice to live by such guidelines is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The twelve points are, in order, Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. As we start a new school year I will lead three new scouts on the road to earning the Eagle Scout Award, and that means teaching the Scout Law.

I thought it might be meaningful to reflect on each of these great character traits as a good way to start the school year, for these are the traits that helped make America great, and education is a key to greatness as a nation. Whether these traits are still as valuable as they have been in the past is debatable, but a desire by Americans to live higher will certainly contribute to a better nation. These character traits represent what it means to live lives of integrity.

Living with integrity is not just a suggestion for Christians; it’s a calling that shapes our lives and impacts those around us. A Biblical example of this is from 1 Peter 3:8-12, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

This passage challenges us to embody virtues that reflect Christ’s love, even in a world that may push against them. We could consider this Peter’s list of values that reflect integrity. I summarize his thoughts this way: Live in unity and empathy with others, show love and humility, even when faced with hostility, bless and don’t curse others, trust in God’s justice, and pursue righteousness.

Have you ever compiled your own list of the values you think build a life of integrity? I invite you to do so. Maybe you like the Scout Law, but there are many values that would make up a great list of values to live by. I invite you to have a list, memorize it, and desire to live by it.

Another thing that can help you live a life of integrity is to choose men and/or women who have done so, and model their behavior. Paul writes in Philippians 3:17, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” This call to imitate faithful leaders is a practical step toward integrity. Who are the people in your life whose faith and values inspire you? Perhaps it’s a mentor who navigates challenges with grace, a friend who serves others selflessly, or a family member who trusts God through trials.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a model for others? Our commitment to integrity doesn’t just shape us, it can influence those around us. As 1 Timothy 4:12 urges, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Whether we realize it or not, others are watching. I am not sure we will be very good models if we try to live to impress others, but if we choose to live a life of integrity, others may notice and be influenced positively.

This is why grounding our lives in Christ is essential. Through prayer, Scripture, and community, we find the strength to live authentically. When we love God and others as Jesus taught, we become living testimonies of His grace. As Psalm 86:11 prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” This is the heart of integrity—a life aligned with God’s truth, reflecting His love to the world.

I invite you to make your own list of those values that build a life of integrity. Get your family to help, and make it a family challenge. Who has shaped your faith, values, life choices? Have you ever thanked them with a note, a phone call, or some other way to honor them? Praise be to God, whose love guides us forever! (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”).