Jesus Is My Role Model

"Everything good that's ever happened to me came out of helping others." – Danny Trejo

Throughout my childhood, I was involved in the Scouting movement: first as a Cub Scout, then as a Webelo, and finally as a Boy Scout. Every week, I would either attend a den meeting or a full gathering of my fellow scouts.

Once there, we would recite the Scout Oath, which goes as follows…

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

My friends and I would also say the Scout Law in unison. “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”

I don’t remember the Scout Slogan, which is “Do a good deed daily,” but I definitely recall the Scout Motto: “Be Prepared.”

All of those recitations came instantly to mind, even though I hung up my merit badge sash almost 50 years ago. And the one element that the Oath, the Law, and the Slogan have in common is helping others.

As a pastor and long-time prison minister… and as a parent and “Papa” to six precious grandkids… I still try to “do a good deed daily.” Actually, I don’t stop at one, but attempt to cram as many good deeds into a single day as possible. Not to earn my way into heaven, because the shed blood of Jesus and my personal faith in Him has already done that. Besides, all my good deeds are nothing but filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6), because even the best of them still are not 100% pure in their intention and motivation.

Simply put, I try to do good deeds every day because God commands it, expects it, and empowers me to do exactly that. After all, Jesus did good deeds every day and not only is He my Savior, but He is also my Role Model.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President