Let's touch on the unique expectations that come with claiming the title "Knight of the Templar Order".

First off, to make sure we have a common understanding, what is a knight, at the most basic level? Speaking in etymological terms, the word “knight” traces back to the Old English “cniht,” which has several meanings; “boy, youth; servant, attendant” It is shared by Old Germanic languages like Old Frisian, Dutch, and and in the modern German word “Knecht.” The common thread to all this is that the word “knight” is inextricably linked to service and responsibility, even if specific meaning has evolved over the ages.

The meaning “military follower of a king or other superior” emerged around 1100AD, close to the time when the Templars were founded after the First Crusade. It started to take on a more specific military meaning during the Hundred Years War in the 14th and 15th centuries and gradually gained importance until it eventually became an official rank in the nobility by the 16th century. These days, in British usage at least, knighthood is seen as a social privilege or honorary title bestowed by a sovereign as a reward, regardless of one’s birth or military achievements, usually to honor some sort of contribution to society. 

The important point is that you can’t just choose to call yourself a knight. It’s a title that has to be bestowed by higher authority to whom you’ve sworn allegiance. Knights were servants to their liege lord and responsible for the people and lands granted to them by the lord they served. When called, they had to fight for that lord or they would lose their title and their lands! For us, this means that if we leave this Holy Order, especially for frivolous reasons, we can no longer refer to ourselves as knights. Period. In the most important sense, we are merely in possession of a fancy certificate that signifies nothing without the commitment of loyalty and service that goes along with it. In short, we betray our oath, the one we swear when we accept that certificate and don that stylish mantle. Without loyalty, the word “knight” is simply a pretend title, nothing more than cosplay and we become oath-breakers  

Up to now I’ve been talking about the traditional idea of knighthood in general, but here’s the thing I want to concentrate on. For those of us who claim the title “Templar”—as Bernard of Clairvaux puts it (and I’m paraphrasing)—we’re a whole new kind of Knighthood! We need to stand out from the world by how we live and act. He basically says, “discipline is key, and obedience is not optional. As the Bible says, a child who doesn’t follow rules will end up in trouble, and rebelling is like doing witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23)—refusing to obey is like making an idol of yourself. Templars follow a rule, they honor a code—wearing what they’re given, and not accepting anything from anyone else. They avoid overdoing it with clothes and food, they just stick to what they need. To make sure they’re perfect in their faith, they live as one big family, always keeping the Spirit united through peace. You might even think everyone in the group has the same heart and soul, because no one acts on their own, but instead, they follow their leader. They are first in and last out on the battlefield. 

Along with this I would like to emphasize that we should never be proud, like secular knights often were; we must adopt and always practice the humility of the original monastics of our Order.

I think it is safe to say that pride is ultimately behind the original sin, Satan was too proud to obey God. Adam and Eve were proud to think they did not need to obey God, but the they could do things on their own.   So humility is necessary to help us overcome pride. And of course, humility enables us to attain the other virtues. 

That brings up an important question; what exactly is “humility”? Now in my opinion, humility is not self-aware. A humble person generally doesn’t think of themselves as humble. Simply put, if we think we are, we ain’t. While Christ Jesus can say that He is humble and lowly of spirit, that’s a very special case, don’t you think?   Did you know that the word “humble” comes from the same root as the word “humus,” which refers to soil or dirt? Soil doesn’t complain or brag; it just does what it does, without making a fuss. Now it is worth noting that there are different kinds of soil. Some soil is rich, while other soil is poor. 

That brings up something to think about; just like our Lord said in his parable about the seed, are you rich soil or poor soil? Unlike humus, you have a choice, you have a say in the matter. You can choose to be rich and nourishing or poor and barren.

And with that, I would also like to point out, just because we are members of OMSDT, we must remember that we’re not better than any other Christian. I mean, you all know that none of us are worthy of salvation, it is God’s free gift that we all either accept through faith or reject. Seriously, nothing being asked of you is any different from any Christian.  

However, we have chosen a higher calling and taken on a greater challenge which finally brings me to my main point. Another question you should ask yourself is this; “am I worthy of this Templar calling?”   

By “worthy” I mean are you willing to do what it takes to fulfill the expectations of being a Templar?   The knights’ mantle we wear bears the red Templar cross. When a new knight dons that mantle, they are taking up a literal cross of service to God, to the Order, and to our communities. We are embracing the easy yoke of Christ in a very visible manner. 

We must not do so lightly. This should not be thought of as symbol of honor and pride but rather as an obligation,   one we accept willingly, voluntarily, and joyfully. We are reminded that we are to live a life of service and sacrifice to Christ, even to the point of shedding our own blood!   Much is expected from a Templar Knight!   

This part may be hard to accept in our modern society with it’s “me first” philosophy, but we must be humble enough to remain loyal, even when we don’t understand or even disagree with leadership decisions.

This is what Templars do. We obey. Obedience is an important part of humility, and loyalty is included in that. Now don’t get the wrong idea, I am NOT talking about blind obedience, nor unconditional loyalty, and that is specifically addressed in the Statutes of our Order which I assume you are all familiar with. At least I hope you are. If you aren’t, learn it, live it, love it! As an aside, if you would like a copy of the statutes that might be a little easier to read than on the official website, reach out to me and I will send you a .pdf that doesn’t have small grey text on a light grey background. 

In summary, if we can’t be humble, loyal, and obedient, perhaps we shouldn’t be here at all. We must keep our eyes on Christ, who was humble and obedient to His Father, even unto death.   

You know, another thought has occurred to me; that this bigger than me or you; It is not just about loyalty to our leaders. This is a commitment that we have made to each other, to our brothers and sisters for whom we become responsible to help them in their own Templar journeys.   

For each and every one of us, this is not just a hobby, we are not a social club. This is a ministry, it is a way of life.  

As written in Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.  

Expectations are high. You must be willing to take on responsibilities within your priory and the Order. You don’t wait to be told what to do. You are expected to take the initiative in finding ways you can serve, within your priory and your community. In addition, complete your courses, encourage your brothers and sisters, obey those who exercise responsible authority over you, the sergeants, officers, priory leaders. and grand officers.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 tells us: And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

And let’s not forget Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

And here is my final thought. If what I have described is not what you expect or aspire to, I strongly suggest you re-evaluate your priorities and ask yourself; why ARE you here? If what I say does not resonate in your heart, then dare I suggest that perhaps you might be happier elsewhere?  

But if what I have said motivates you, I pray that God gives you the strength, patience, and above all, humility, to live up to these expectations.

As the Holy Apostle Paul writes; Become complete, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace. May our Lord, God, and Savior, Christ Jesus be with you all and bless your commitment to our holy Order and your work in His Holy Name. May He grant you His peace which surpasses human understanding. Thank you for your time and attentiveness.