“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”

(Ephesians 4:31 NLT)

Leave no trace was a cardinal rule for Boy Scouts and serious hikers.

Early in my hiking career, I discovered the rule “Leave No Trace.” The rule applied to camping, which, of course, followed the hiking. So, when my daughter and I or brother and I camped, we attempted to follow the rule. But we quickly noticed that many others didn’t. Too many campers and hikers littered many campsites we visited with paraphernalia. We cleaned it up and packed it with us if we could. Often, however, we had no means to do so, so we had to leave it behind.

Beyond leaving no trash behind, the rule also applied to where we erected the tent. When we took down the tent the following morning, we would scatter leaves or pine needles over where we had placed the tent so no one could tell anyone had ever erected a tent.

Later, when my son joined the Cub Scouts and eventually made it to the Boy Scouts, I discovered they had the same rule. Unfortunately, some Boy Scouts do not observe the rule when they camp, but the leaders teach it, nevertheless.

Conscientious hikers and Scouts believe in taking care of Mother Earth. As believers, we follow God’s original command to the first couple to care for the earth.

But Paul talks about other traces we shouldn’t leave behind: bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and other evil behavior.

Our world has enough of these bad traits without us contributing to the mix. Following this command is a losing battle for the person who doesn’t have Christ in their life. But for us who know Christ, we have the presence and power of God’s Spirit. Greater is the one who is in us than the one who is in the world—meaning God’s Spirit is greater than the enemy of our souls.

With God’s help, we can leave no trace of these things behind. We can forgive those who hurt us. We can choose love rather than anger. We can speak kind words that build others up. We can choose actions that represent Christ well to the world.

And when we leave no trace of the bad traits behind, the world will be better.

Determine that you will leave no trace of things that violate God’s commands. Father, help me to leave traces only of your goodness and grace.

Martin Wiles