1998 Volume 121 No 1–4 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES
tunity for interaction, gossip, argument, and conversation."
Here is our challenge: how will we in Phi Deha Theta begin
to see that when we say our first Fraternity principle is friendship
we have the foundation stone for all else that we claim to
be of importance in fraternal life. We can quote biblical passages
such as "If one falls down, his friend can help him up;
but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to
friend In what ways will you "help your brother up" Look at
our Fraternity's coat of arms. Does the javelin in the hand in
the crest remind you of your commitments as a Phi
It was once said, "The best way to have a friend is to be one."
In our desire to have our Fraternity values be something more
than mere talk, we will need to "be specific," or as the professor
once said in one of my classes, "Give me a solid behavioral ex-
What sacrifice would you make for a
fi-iend In what ways will you "help your
brother up" Look at our Fraternity's
coat of arms. Does the javelin in the
hand in the crest remind you of your
commitments as a Phi
help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:10).
We could go to a book of quotations and list all the references
to friendship. We could engage in a lot of "words." In the
end, though, what really counts Think about this for a while,
then sit down with a sheet of paper and sketch out what
friendship means for you. What sacrifice would you make for a
ample!" Or as one of my teachers said in elementary school,
"Acts, not words!"
Friendship in today's world can be a strong support as we
try to make this world of ours a better one. Our commitment
needs to continue to give back "not less but greater" than was
given to me.
IW
GENERAL
CONVENTION
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