My Words To Live By
By: Phil Davis
Phil Davis
“My Words To Live By”
In thinking about what words or ideas have influence me and my character, I acknowledge that I am a product of a blend of influences from my Family, Friends, School, and Work. My Church and certain lessons from the Bible have guided me. Not only the Scouting’s Oath and Law but it’s insistence on risk taking, to explore and try new things, even if you don’t know anything about it.
My family has taught me responsibility for my own action and self pride. Not by being arrogant or full one owns self, but rather that I am a member of a group and I have a responsibility to live up to its expectations and my actions reflect on others.
I wish to be a reliable friend and co-worker. If I am asked to do something, I will strive to successfully complete the task in a timely manner. I have a deep and personal shame when I fail to carry out something that I have promised to complete. In the military, scouting and work, we were reminded the importance of relying on others.
From the Bible, there are two parables that are important to me.
In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the man who gives his servants “talents”, The story is about what they did with the coinage, called “talents”. I have been given a certain natural artistic “talents”, it is important that I use them in a manner that will bring dividends. It would also be a waste not to utilize my artistic skills like one of the servants in the parable who “bury them in the ground”.
The other advice from the Bible is Matthew 6:6 where you are taught not to go out in public and do any actions that will call excess attention to yourself by some overt acts, but rather go quietly and live your life and faith for yourself. To me this teaches me to be humble. Every time I boosted, I found myself with “egg on my face” and looking like a jerk.
Scouting’s Oath and Law are doctrines that have lead my life. Phrases like, “On my honor, I will do my best…” and all 10 points of the Scout Law, (Trustworthy, Loyal,…).
Don’t be afraid to continually learn and seek. Be inquisitive, by finding out “what’s over that horizon” or how does that work? …or what would it like to … and most important, “can I do that?” Learning should be a lifelong exercise. Don’t be afraid to explore things that are a little out of your comfort zone.
I fully realize that I don’t always live up to my own goals. There have been plenty of times that I have let myself or someone down. That’s when I realize the importance of these goals and attempt to get back on track.
But some of the most important words come from a simple phrase, “Do Unto Others, Like You Would Like To Be Treated Yourself”