A Scout is Trustworthy, and a big part of trustworthiness is honesty.  Sometimes it is hard to be honest, such as when you must take a test you have not studied for.  At times like that it is even more important to be honest.  A science professor at a local university gave a test at the end of each chapter and included a short thought at the bottom of the test page.  On one particular test the message read, “You are taking two tests today, one in physics and one in honesty.  There are many good men and women in the world that cannot pass a test in physics.  So if you must fail one of these tests, it is better to fail the physics test.”

ScoutMaster Minute, Ron Wendel

Sometimes life can be very challenging, the pressure to perform as a son, brother, father, spouse or even as a friend can be difficult.  There are often “little white lies” that we talk ourselves into believing that they are not harmful.  But a collection of little white lies becomes a big lie and life becomes complicated when you cannot remember the lies you told in the first place.  The best path forward is to be honest.  Honesty builds Trust and Trust builds confidence, leadership, affection and reverence.  It’s easy to slip up, and it’s okay to make a mistake in life.  But be honest, most of the time, the only person you are hurting is you.