Word of Honor and Honor to Our Word

by: Jesus V. Sison, CRFV Deputy National Director

“I solemnly pledge my life to you”- King Charles III, September 2022, as His Majesty the King pledged to serve with loyalty, respect and love.

When the news broke out that the Queen of the United Kingdom passed on to eternity, words honoring her majesty’s legacy swirled around the world. Tributes were poured and the nations came together in unity. Anti-monarchy sentiments and oppositions were laid aside to rest. It was a moment of reflection. What was astounding is that every person is saying the same thing to honor a person who lived an extraordinary life. Words that honor are words of honor because a person has honor. This week’s article and value focus on Word of Honor will give us a new perspective of what it is.

For most of us if not all, word of honor is always defined as fulfillment of our promises and every uttered word must be pursued whatever it takes or how painful it is to fulfill. It is with an attitude where we lay aside our own agenda and interests to accomplish a task or complete a promise. However, when we talk about this value, it should never be separated from the person. A person who fulfills his/ her word is honorable. We will then be considered as men and women of honor when we value and crown our words with it. Honor values the importance of status and repute in maintaining one’s place in society. It is conscious in maintaining respect for the community or organization one belongs to. In this sense, honor provides a pattern and template for establishing social interactions- how we communicate and how we conduct ourselves, and hence, as a culture, it may be functional to cancel a norm that do not value and endorse honor.

Words should not be empty where there’s too much promises made and yet unfulfilled or half-fulfilled. Words should not use for flattery to win a heart or allegiance. Instead, words must infuse hope for the future because they inspire. Words are to be relied on like a sturdy rock that we could stand upon and be unshaken. In a time of uncertainty and adversity, such words bring alignment and refreshing to one’s soul. They will easily encourage the people to rise and rally for a given-cause or assignment. These words are inspiring and dependable for they are crowned with honor. They are so because the person who uttered them is known to be as principled and upright.

How to be an honorable person whose words are reliable?

When our only desire is to have all of God in our life and to glorify Him with our words and actions, then our lives will be lived honorably. We must first become part of who God. In other words, we reflect and manifest His character and nature through the values we espouse. This will in turn make us honorable before God and before the people. We must also become part of what God is doing. We put God at the center of all things as we invoke His will upon us. Our words and actions will in turn become totally guided and motivated with sincerity, integrity and uprightness- this is honorable.

In the hour of most radiant triumphs or darkest challenges, we must remember God who has accounted us fit and honorable to be His instruments of righteousness and stewards of resources. As we understand that the place and power are ours as His gift and trusteeship for His glory, individually and collectively, we should solemnly pledge our live throughout the remaining time the Almighty God grants us to live honorably, serve wholeheartedly and love unconditionally. This is pledging our life to God, to the country and to the people we vowed to love, serve and protect. This pledge and promise are crowned with honor and valued with sincerity to be fulfilled in our lifetime.