The Singing Scoutmaster: On My Honor

The very first words of the Scout Oath are "On my honor." Before we promise anything else, we say those three powerful words. But what do they really mean?

Your honor is your personal promise that you will do what you say. When you say "On my honor," you are putting your reputation on the line. You're saying, "You can trust me. I mean what I say."

Think about it this way. If your best friend says, "I promise I'll be there," you believe them because they've kept their promises before. That trust they've built? That's their honor. Every time you keep your word, you build your honor. Every time you break a promise, a little piece of it chips away.

When we stand together and say "On my honor," we're not just reciting words. We're making a personal commitment. No one can force you to be honorable-it has to come from inside you. That's what makes it so special. You're choosing to be someone others can count on.

Your honor is something no one can take from you. Only you can give it away by not living up to your promises. So every time you say "On my honor," remember: those words mean something. They mean you're the kind of person who does what they say they'll do.