Outside the Great Architect of the Universe and our obligations, the most common cement of the Fraternity is found in the various meanings and applications of the word "honor." To most, an honor is an expression or reward given someone based on an achievement, such as a medal, scholarship, or degree, but the Freemason must look more deeply to see what "honor" means in the Masonic sense.

In the Preparation of the Candidate section of the Texas monitor are found five profound questions to remind the candidate of his responsibilities and commitments made before entering upon his journey to becoming a Master Mason. He is joining an "Ancient and honorable fraternity" which has earned its respect based on the actions of its members, both past and present, but each of his questions contains a more solemn pledge, namely that his answers are "upon your honor." While not a Mason, he must understand that his answers are important to his future Brothers and an important part of his becoming a Mason. At that moment "honor" becomes a personal expression of integrity and responsibility, and without such, he will not proceed.

Again and again, he will be reminded of this "honorable fraternity" , his continued actions which "merit the honor which we have conferred, and the bound of "duty, honor, and gratitude" to his trust. His personal honor and esteem, both public and private, now are reflective of his actions as a Mason and his conduct must be above reproach. He must have an increased sense of ethical and moral conduct, for his good name and that of the Fraternity are now interwoven.

Honor now is an expression of one's word given as a guarantee to the performance of the obligations one has assumed. In the presence of his Brothers and the Grand Geometrician, each Mason places his "honor" and reputation as a man and a Mason. Titles, decorations, ranks, and badges are external honors, but they can never replace that internal "honor" of being true to your God, true to your neighbor, and true to yourself. To achieve that honor is to become a true Mason.