Over the weekend I watched the movie, "Kingdom of Heaven", about the crusades of the 1100's and the battle for Jerusalem between the European Crusaders and the Muslim armies of Saladin. Although I don't entirely endorse the movie, I was fascinated by the "Knight's Oath" that Godfrey (played by Liam Neeson) gives to his son Balian (Orlando Bloom), before he dies. Here it is-
"Be without fear in the face of your enemies;
Be brave and upright, that God may love thee;
Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death;
Safeguard the helpless;
And do no wrong.
That is your oath."
Although we know that God loves us whether we are brave or not, this oath is amazing. It is a call to live with honor, to be a man (or woman) of true character, and to be selfless and compassionate. Not qualities often promoted in our world today. Yet that is how I want to conduct my life, how I want to be known and remembered. Not for any lasting glory or legacy for me, but to honor Christ, who was and is all these qualities. He is reason enough.
Rob