HONOR CODE: BEAT THE SYSTEM OR CHEAT THE SYSTEM

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Before anyone tries to beat the system, and if that fails, cheat the system, the most important thing to do is define the system. Does it have an honor code?

What is they system? Should you even try to beat it, or cheat it? If you have a personal honor code, there’s one choice.

In business the goal is making enough profit to stay open before you order that private bus. A good business plan helps beat the system, so does a good accountant. If things go wrong you’ll need to decide who goes under the bus first.

Personal life isn’t the same as public life, but the honor code still applies. Call it the bull code.

HonoraBull. AccoutaBull. ResponsiBull. DependaBull.

Beat the system with an honor code of the Bulls. TrustaBull.

Then there’s the spiritual life that illuminates and guides us with a distinct honor code. Where does that fit in?

Start with the Top Ten:

1. You shall have no other Gods but me.
2. You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Respect your father and mother.
6. You must not commit murder.
7. You must not commit adultery.
8. You must not steal.
9. You must not give false evidence against your neighbor.
10. You must not be envious of your neighbor’s goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Ten items in an honor code might too many to remember. If that’s you, here’s the golden fallback position:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The words and associated feelings behind an honor code of any kind are simple until you’re put to the test. You can beat the system with an honor code, and if you fail you still have honor. Your virtue stays intact.

What virtues? Faith, hope, charity, prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice.

What happens if you succeed and cheat the system? You probably did it with a combination of lust, greed, gluttony, envy, anger, pride, and sloth.

Call it the ultimate 7 on 7. Unless you win the right way, you’re a loser.

Now ask yourself: How do I win Easter Sunday? You could start by being a knight in shining armor.