Knights and Modern Chivalry III

'All Scripture is inspired and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction and for training in righteousness.'

'Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not be ashamed.'

These two scriptures from Paul's pen may not appear to be tied to chivalry. But, they lie at its core. As the system of knighthood developed in days of yore a central element was the devotion of the knight to God, the word of God, and the church. Obviously all knights were not Godly men, but the ethical system of knighthood, the chivalric code, was based upon Biblical ethics. Historically speaking there was not a written code that all knights swore to, rather it was an ethos that developed over time. It varied from one culture to another. The endearing ideals of chivalry that we remember today are probably best summed up by Bernard of Clairveuax. He listed twelve components of chivalry:

Integrity
Fidelity or Loyalty
Succor
Benevolence
Courtesy
Selflessness
Obedience to authority
Joyfulness
Frugality
Bravery or Fortitude
Cleanliness
Reverence

Each of these elements is derived from a proper understanding of Scripture. While one might try to develop the character traits in his strength in time he will fail. They can only be truly developed through the internal ministry of the Holy Spirit as a man lives in Christian community.

So, how do those Scriptures apply to this ethical code? First, we notice that the Scriptures are given by divine inspiration; literally 'God breathed'. This makes them unique among all writings. In them are contained all the wisdom revealed to man by Almighty God. They contain the wisdom which leads to salvation and so much more. If a man is to become a modern day knight he must accept this fact as his foundational commitment: The Holy Scriptures are the only divine revelation of Almighty God. They are the sole rule of faith and practice. In our lives we are bombarded by 'expert advice' of all sorts. Most of it is the dribblings of pagan minds. A great majority of the counsel that is given the modern church is compromised with worldly humanism at best. Some of it is outright heresy. If we are to recover genuine Godly manhood we must accept nothing but that which clearly taught and promoted in God's holy word.

Secondly, we see that Paul admonishes us to study the Scriptures. Not just to read them. Not just to be acquainted with them. No, we are to be diligent scholars of the word of God. The study of Scriptures is neglected by far too many men. In discussions with men I find that on average men spend less than five minutes per day reading the Bible. Almost none lead their family in Bible reading or family worship. How is a man to know the will of God if he does not read the revelation given to him?

So, men, pick up your Bible read it. Read it some more. Wear out the bindings. (I've made a deal with my congregation. If they will wear out their Bible's binding from study I will personally pay to have it rebound. I'm may have some men take me up on it in the next few months.) Study. Meditate upon the word. Become a man who doesn't have to turn to the 'experts' to find out where God said 'X'.

Over the next few posts we will look at each of the element of Chivalry, how the Bible addresses them, and how to implement them in our lives.