The 5th Trust: I will defend those who cannot defend themselves.

The 5th Trust: I will defend those who cannot defend themselves.

This Trust is not just one of 12 separate principles. Its commitment to action is an assertion of loyalty to them.

It a very real sense, becoming a champion for the good of people is what Knighthood is all about. It is the reason for developing one’s life for the greater good; for humbling one’s ego to serve the world we live in; for honoring truth; refuting sexism (and other forms of bigotry); upholding justice; helping the poor; extending mercy and forgiveness, and living lives of courtesy and honor.

High sounding principles are meaningless without the commitment of people who, through their own words and deeds, make them real.

Some conclude early in life that we are somehow justified to ignore the plights of others who are suffering or in need. This allows them to just do what they want, be as selfish as they want, without any regret.

They may consider themselves good people, and by many measurements they are. But good people are not necessarily champions of what is right. By remaining silent in the presence of evil, they passively become its allies. Their diluted freedom opens the door to apathy, greed and exploitation, while at the same time shutting the door to conscience. Such decisions, and, make no mistake about it, they are willful decisions, twist human nature from what is most humane. Just how much conscience can be sacrificed or atrophied before that nature becomes inhuman?

The 5th Trust is nothing less than a statement of solidarity with all our brothers and sisters who are in need. When we adhere to it, we affirm our own humanity.