A Man of Honor

I've been reflecting, lately, on the concept of Honor.  There are generally two senses in which we use the word.  One being the quality of honesty or integrity, the second being related to esteem or high respect.  I've been thinking about the relationship between these two.  I think the truest way to receive the second is to devolop the first. 

We honor God, in part, because of His supreme integrity.  He receives honor because He has perfect honor.  I can place total confidence in God because I know that what He says, He will do.  He'll follow through.  God is a man of honor

I've been discovering that the key to real power is honor--in the sense of integrity.  The Buddha once said, "If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him."  I think there is a lot of truth to that. 

Consider these words from Karl G. Maeser, founder and first president of Brigham Young University. 

"My friends, I have been asked what is meant by 'word of honor.' I will tell you.  Place me behind prison walls--high, thick walls of stone.  It is possible that somehow I could escape.  But stand me on the floor, draw a chalk line around me and have me give my word of honor not to cross it and I would never cross the line.  I'd die first!" 
Karl G. Maeser was a man of honor. 

I believe this to be something that God requires of us.  Abraham Lincoln, always famous for his honesty and integrity affirmed, "I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.  I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."  He felt accountable to God for his actions and for what he did with what he was given.  He was a man of honor. 

This, to me, is one of the most valuable qualities of human being can possess.  It is something I would like to develop.  There are not many people who attain such a character.  My father is one.  I would trust his word on pain of death.  I know that he is a man of honor. 

In others' words:

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved." 

-David O. McKay