Best thing to do is to read the rule ... Can be downloaded here http://www.ordo-militiae-templi.org/starten.htm
Exerpt:
Rule of the poor Knights of Christ
Chapter Four
(The instruments of good deeds)
Above all love God Our Lord with all your heart, with all your
soul and with all your strength; and then your neighbour as yourself.
Deny yourself completely to follow Christ; mortify your flesh, do
not seek comfort, love fasting.
Relieve the poor, clothe the naked, visit the sick, bury the dead,
alleviate all sufferings, comfort those who are in distress.
Get estranged from the worldly mentality, do not prefer anything
to the love for Christ.
Do not give free play to wrath, do not bear anyone a grudge, do not
nurse deceit in your heart, do not give a false greeting of peace, do not
abandon charity.
Do not swear to avoid perjury, speak the truth with your heart
and your lips, do not render evil for evil, do not wrong anyone; love your
enemies, do not return insults and slander, but rather respond with
benevolence towards our offenders; endure persecutions for justice.
Do not be haughty, do not be given to drinking nor be ravenous, do
not sleep excessively nor be lazy, do not be a grumbler nor a backbiter.
Set your trust in God, attribute to Him, and not to yourself,
whatever good you discover within you, but be aware that evil comes
from us and accept the ensuing responsibilities
Fear the day of Judgement, quiver at the thought of hell, yearn
for eternal life with all your soul.
Keep the possibility of death in mind at all times.
Watch your actions continuously, be convinced that God watches
us everywhere.
Immediately break into Christ all evil thoughts that arise in your
heart.
Beware of evil and unbecoming conversation, do not love to speak
much, do not speak light or silly words, do not laugh immoderately.
Willingly listen to the reading of the word of God, dedicate yourself
frequently to prayer; in this confess your past sins to God every day with
deep sorrow and endeavour to mend your ways in the future.
Do not satisfy the desires of corrupt nature, loathe your own will,
obey the Master.
Do not wish to be called a saint before being one, but truly become
such so that there may be more ground to say so.
Fulfil God’s commandments each day.
Love chastity, do not envy anyone, do not be jealous, do not nurse
envy, do not love quarrels, shun haughtiness and respect the elderly, love
the young, pray for your enemies in the love of Christ; should you quarrel
with your brother, make peace before sunset.
And never despair of God’s mercy.
These are the instruments of spiritual art! If we shall make use
of them day and night and return them on the day of judgement, we shall
obtain from the Lord the reward that He himself promised: „No eye
has ever seen, nor ear has ever heard what God has prepared for those
who love him".
JD
