Not Everyone Can Be an Eagle Scout
Being an Eagle Scout is one of the highest honors of distinction a young man will ever achieve. Of course, he must first be a Boy Scout before he can achieve the Scout’s highest achievement. If I recall, he begins as a Cub Scout, and after proving his efficiency through completing various levels of scouting, advances in “rank.” From there, the scout works diligently to master a wide variety of skills, each one evaluating his proficiency in these varied tasks, and eventually, finds a community project that he must accomplish with exquisite mastery before receiving the Eagle Scout award.
Most of us will never receive such a distinguished honor. And yet, we’ve become successful in something that permits us an honorable reputation. We worked at becoming the best we can be with what training and skills we have. Some are so proficient in their abilities, they have trained others, who in turn have become more advanced in their abilities than their trainer. Someone observed, “Man can achieve whatever the mind can conceive.” I suspect, with few exceptions, that is true!
Unfortunately, many have a bad habit of “comparison” when determining abilities. The apostle Paul said, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12) Paul also informed us to examine ourselves (individually), determining if we (individually) are in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5) Therefore, if any “comparisons” are made, it between us (individually) and God’s Word (James 1:23-25).
Thus, critique of another’s success or failures, abilities or inabilities should never be engaged for self-exaltation! If there is critique, let it be for improvement in the one you critique: i.e., how you might help your brother. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Throughout the New Testament, we find proof of those who knew, helping those who knew not. “Helpful criticism” is still “critique, so we need to be very careful if, when, and how it is given!
Even after years of practice, there will be room for improvement. We tend to joke about doctors “practicing” medicine, and lawyers who are “practicing” law, etc. But the truth is, these professionals continue to learn and improve their skills; thus, they are “practicing.” We Christians are no different! According to the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:1; 4:14; 10:23), we are “professionals” and therefore need to render to God our service in a “professional” way. Further, we must be continuous in our learning and reach perfection in what we say and do in His kingdom. (Hebrews 6:1-12).
Still, we must accept that some are more proficient in their abilities than we are who endeavor to perform the same ability. For example, how many of us could be professional NASCAR drivers? Very few, I’m sure! Yet, we drive, and most of us drive rather well. Likewise, how many of us could be professional executives of major businesses? Few again. Yet, we are proficient in the businesses for which we stand responsible. Just so, we need to be as proficient in our service to God as we can be! God gave us nothing less than His best (John 3:16), Christ gave us nothing less than His best (John 10:1-18). By what standard do we give God and His Son anything less than our BEST?
No, we’ll not all be Eagle Scouts, but that shouldn’t stop us from being the best CHRISTIANS we can be! We can’t “ride the coattails” of others, and make ourselves think we’re doing our best, either. We need INDIVIDUALLY to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and in doing so, strive to improve our service to Him each day!