What it Means to be a Mason, Part II

In 2008, I wrote an article titled, "What it Means to be Mason." 

At that time, I had only been a Mason four years and it read as such. I was all about what the Order needed to do and how it could be changed for the better. I beat my drum, climbed atop my soap box and screamed at the top of my lungs. I knew what would help Freemasonry ascend back to the heights it had once known 30 years prior.

Eight years have passed since then and while I still believe changes need to be made, I'm looking at enacting change in a new light. This stems from maturity as well as contemplating the age old Masonic mantra regarding making good men better. In this mantra lies the truth of what it means to be a Mason.

You may ask, "How does Freemasonry make good men better?" Many answers come to mind, but it happens mostly through prayer, charitable work, fundraising, and fellowship. These attributes are by no means exclusive to Freemasonry, however Freemasonry encourages men to move along these paths, making them a natural part of live.

I do not intend to tackle the argument of whether or not Freemasonry is a religion, but Freemasonry does impress upon its membership to look towards the deity in which they believe to seek wisdom and guidance. They are too strengthen their faith in their Creator, trusting Him to lead them through trials and to achievements. As long as a Mason maintains his faith in his Creator, he need not fear whatever befalls him in life.

The art of charity follows suit with having faith because many faiths teach that giving to those in need is a good act. Freemasonry wants its members to give liberally, helping those who are less fortunate. This charity is mainly for the community in which a lodge serves and may include members as well. Masons are charged to pick up their fellow man should he stumble.

Charity for Masons also occurs through fundraising. Fundraising allows them to accumulate funds from those blessed with a bit more and channel them to those who are in need. It also allows them to support their meeting halls, covering rents, utilities, and repairs. This teaches the members the importance of working together and instills in them a sense for business, transferable skills that are beneficial in any arena.

Finally, the fellowship Freemasonry provides is second to none. Men of different ages, backgrounds, races and creeds come together to converse on a variety of topics ranging from the mundane to the complex. A veritable mishmash of experiences shared among men, who through their membership, have grown to trust and love each other. Knowledge is passed back and forth regularly, strengthening all who willingly accept it. 

This is what it means to be a Mason. Having and growing in faith, helping those in need, engaging in good business, and learning from your brother. There may be missteps and hiccups along the way, but what organization doesn't experience that. Moving pass those flaws and striving for improvement and harmony regardless of differences is what's important. With these as focal points of Freemasonry, how does a good man not become better.