Everyone Needs a Scout

When I was a youngster in my late teens and early Twenties, I watched a television series called, “Rawhide.”  There were 217 episodes produced from 1959 to 1965.  They were entertaining and fun to watch.

The one actor that stands out most to me is the scout, Rowdy Yates, played by Clint Eastwood.  His task on the show was to scout ahead of the cattle drive looking for potential problems, and then report back to the head ramrod, Gil Favor, played by Eric Fleming.

A heavy responsibility befell scouts that hired themselves out to cattle drives and wagon trains in early western days.  Clint Eastwood portrayed the responsibilities-of-safety for the herd and drovers.  He searched out water and grazing suitable for the cattle, and located the best place to ford rivers and streams.

Scouts put their lives on the line daily with regards to wild animals, Indians and rustlers that always wanted something that didn’t belong to them.  The challenge of the scout was to spot these cattle trail risks before they spotted him in their rifle sights. 

Rowdy Yates was good at what he did.  He kept the drive moving safely; on schedule; and with few unpleasant incidents.  His keen sense for spotting danger was necessary to the success of every cattle drive.  He and Gil Favor worked closely together and respected each other’s position.  Gil didn’t take on the responsibility of his scout, because he was certain that Rowdy had the ability and experience to get the job done.  Rowdy knew what he was doing.

Gil believed in his scout and listened to his reports intently.  He then made the necessary decisions to deal with the problems reported.  Gil had much confidence in Rowdy, because he had proven himself over and over again.  Rowdy was a man of integrity, while doing his job with diligence.  He demonstrated himself to be a man of character.

The Holy Spirit is our scout; looking out for our interest.  He never fails to make us aware of pitfalls ahead, and points out the dangers that face us on the straight and narrow path that we’re traveling.

It’s our job to listen as He speaks, because His main objective is to get us to our destination safely.  As we respond to His warnings in a positive and responsible way, we walk safely in a land of temptations and impure surroundings.  We remain in His care…safe.

The Bible tells us in (Psalms 37:23) “The steps of a good man are order by the Lord; and he delights in his way.”  The Holy Spirit, our scout, knows the right path we should take.  All we need do is to follow where He leads and never attempt to be our own scout. Listen to the Holy Spirit and through discernment take the right direction in our lives.

Satan always wants something that doesn’t belong to him.  We are God’s property, through Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit keeps it that way as long as we listen to His words of warning, and allow Him the latitude to do his job.  Everyone needs a scout to look out for them and to keep them safe, while they journey the path that leads to heaven.  The Holy Spirit is our safe-keeper that protects us on the path of righteousness.  He’s our scout that we can trust and have confidence in.

Written by,

Papa Boyd