To what or whom do you owe loyalty? Reading about the resignation of Ralph Peters, a retired U.S. Army intelligence officer, from Fox News made me wonder about how many willingly or thoughtlessly sell their souls to attain wealth, power, position or fame. Peters claimed the network had “degenerated from providing a legitimate and much-needed outlet for conservative voices to a mere propaganda machine for a destructive and ethically ruinous administration.” By standing up for his principles, Peters lost his platform and income, but reclaimed his integrity.

What guides you and keeps you on track? How do you determine what’s right or wrong? Amidst distractions and decision making dilemmas, what orients you towards true north? If your internal compass needs re-calibration, consider creating a personalized book of wisdom that aligns with your beliefs, values, and priorities. Here are guidelines formulated by others.

Golden rule: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)

West Point Honor Code: “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.” (U.S. Military Academy, USCC PAM 15-1)

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz:

1. Be Impeccable with your Word
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best

10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17):

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

Rotary International’s Four-Way Test:

• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary by Angeles Arrien: 

• Show up and be present.
• Pay attention to what has heart and meaning.
• Tell the truth without blame or judgment.
• Be open to (but not attached to) outcome.

“You can have many great ideas in your head, but what makes the difference is the action. Without action upon an idea, there will be no manifestation, no results, and no reward” ― Miguel Ruiz

Enlistment oath for the military: “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same”

“Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy.”
Warren W. Wiersbe

Are my words true, necessary, and kind? Do they enhance understanding, goodwill, and peace?

The Work of Byron Katie: 

1. Is it true? (Yes or no. If no, move to 3.)
2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true? (Yes or no.)
3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
4. Who would you be without the thought?

Intentions +  character + conduct = integrity

Do you walk your talk? If we want to be able to look at ourselves in the mirror, we must live with integrity. Because the human default is often WIIFM (What’s in it for me), laws, creeds and oaths remind us of shared humanity and the need for ethical behavior.

© Joan S Grey, 23 Mar 2018
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