Forum:HELP regarding maintenance cost with continuous trap cards!

It's been two years since I've dueled in any circumstance, and my friend and I have been getting in constant arguements over continuous trap cards with maintenance costs such as Imperial Order and Mirror Wall. Here's the scenario:

I played Imperial Order, and when it came to my turn during my stand by phase I chose not to pay the life points and send the card to my graveyard (destroying it) he claims that I'm not allowed to do this considering I had well over 7000 life points. I distinctly remember that if you choose not to pay the life points for a continuous trap card which required them, then it would automatically be destroyed and sent to the graveyard. I'm not saying I'm right, but would like a few opinions.

Help please??