Often during a Board of Review or a Scoutmaster Conference a Scout is asked what is the most important point of the Scout Law. I have asked that question many times. Each response was a good one. Even I remember being asked this question when I was a Scout.
Most respond with Trustworthy, heck, I think I even did. Even Baden Powell thought that Trustworthy was the most important point. So much so that according to the second edition of the Handbook for Scoutmasters it states that if a Scout is deemed not Trustworthy he is to relinquish his Scout badge.
However, after much more thought and consideration I would now have to change my opinion and say, to me, the most important point of the Scout Law is LOYAL. Here is why, it fits for me personally. I am not sure why I didn't recognize it sooner, but all my life that has been a resounding theme. When I was in high school and was dating, loyalty always stood out to me. Sure, we have all been a part of that dating scene where someone ends up falling for someone else while in a relationship and they think they can carry on but they are actually being dis-loyal. I too was a victim of that. While I was dating I swore to never be "looking" for another companion. I vowed to remain loyal.
Another word for loyal could also be faithful. I am reminded of the story of Hosea in the bible. He remained true and faithful to his wife even when she was not to him. He also remained faithful to God in his Trust that HIS will would be done. It actually is a beautiful story. I first encountered it through a movie on PUREFLIX called Amazing Love.
Besides my personal experiences why I think LOYAL is the most important part of the Scout Law here is some further evidence:
Loyalty encompasses ALL other points of the Scout Law. To be loyal to something you have to have an element of Trust. Trust that your loyalty will not waiver. Trust in another person, individual, or thing. You also must be obedient to that person. After all, if you are loyal you will obey that person's wishes. Courteousness will be exercised because of respect for the individual as well as friendliness and kindness. Let's not forget about being helpful. After all, a friend is always helpful. And the list can go on with each point of the Scout Law as an example; Cheerful, Thrifty, Clean, Brave and of course even Reverent. Reverent which also implies faith which can be interchanged with Loyalty. So again, in order to be Loyal, you must hold each trait of the Scout Law.
Another movie I was watching recently is called Lady Jane. It is about Jane Grey who ascended to the throne of England after Henry VIII's son Edward had passed away. SPOILER ALERT! For those not a history buff as myself this was during the time of the great reform in which England separated from the Roman Catholic Church and formed the Church of England. The only way it could continue to solidify this reformation was to keep the throne from being inhabited by someone who believed the same. Also, in placing Lady Jane on the throne the privy counsel usurped the natural line of succession which as you can imagine caused some uprisings from the rightful heirs. What does this have to do with Loyalty? Lady Jane was a well educated, self-educated, young lady or teenager who was able to hold her own with theological debates. She did not believe in literal doctrines or sacraments of the Catholic Church which is what helped to place her on the throne. However, after being on the throne for 9 days she was removed by Mary Queen of Scotts'. Queen Mary had Lady Jane imprisoned along with her husband but promised NOT to execute Lady Jane's death sentence.
Lady Jane's death sentence was actually carried out though because Queen Mary was set to marry a Spanish Prince who would not come to England unless the rebels had no reason to fight which was Lady Jane. As an appeal the Bishop or Cardinal came to hear Lady Jane repent and turn back to the Catholic Faith. They separated her and her husband. Questioned her husband first and then brought him in while the questioned Lady Jane. This was an interrogation technique used to cast doubt of what each person had said. Did her husband remain true in his beliefs or did he cave and give in which would cause Lady Jane to do the same. They forbid either one of them from speaking. In the end, Lady Jane held true and so did her husband. That was an example of Loyalty, of faithfulness.
My final example would come from another movie, Three Musketeers. My oh my, talk about a band of brothers who exemplified bravery and loyalty and a fight for what was true and good. Have you ever considered their motto, "All for one and One for All!"? Ponder on this, each person was important and significant. To trust each other with their very lives. If one of them was in need or trouble they ALL would come to the rescue. All of them was for one of them, and One of them would be for ALL of them.
So what is the MOST important point of the Scout Law? My belief is Loyal and so I chant with my fellow Musketeers, "All for one and one for all"!
