Thomas BecketThomas Becket during his lifetime was a man of both honor and dishonor. His decisions, his principles, and his character made some aspects of his life honorable and others dishonorable. However, it is also extremely important to understand who Becket was honoring. The three most important people he would honor during his lifetime were himself, King Henry II, and God. Many times throughout his life, Becket acted without honor. For example, when King Henry separated church and state making his power superior to that of the church, Becket became his right-hand man and became Chancellor of England. While Henry's moves were political and economic, Becket's decision to join the king was based solely on loyalty and allegiance to the king. Becket did not consider the consequences of what a split would entail, nor did he question and challenge the king's hypocritical motives. Becket also showed great dishonor to both God and the king when he wore both the Chancellor's and Archbishop's rings. He could not have honored them both, since the king's agenda did not merge with God's will. So he had a false honor for both. Ultimately, Becket chose to serve the honor of God above the king. Becket was also a man of great honor. He showed reverence to his king by being loyal and keeping his word when he had to give up the woman he loved to the king. At this time, he also honored himself by showing integrity and principles rather than emotional values. While chancellor, he served faithfully understanding his duty to the king and the code of honor. The only thing that proved Becket was a man of true honor was when he humbled himself before the cross and God and pledged his loyalty to the one true leader. After this point, Becket no longer acts to serve the king's honor, but that of God because he realizes it is more just and rewarding. Through this decision he chose how he would live for the rest of his life. He accepted his obligations as Archbishop of Canterbury and understood how he would inevitably be forced to oppose the king. He sacrificed his life defending the kingdom of God and courageously chose to pursue God's will. This comes when he repudiates the king's order to renege on his excommunication decision.