Freemasonry - 97% Off Cyber Monday Sale

The Downward Spiral of Discounting in Freemasonry & How We Fix It.

Sounds ridiculous right?

But consider this:

Telling a Prospective Mason that their commitment is just "one night a month" essentially discounts Freemasonry by 97%.

Today's consumer-driven world, the allure of discounts and sales is undeniable. However, this same mentality, when applied to Freemasonry, presents a significant problem. Freemasonry, a fraternity steeped in tradition and values, is not immune to this modern-day pitfall. A worrying trend has emerged: the 'discounting' of Freemasonry.

This analogy, grounded in the arithmetic and logic of the liberal arts and sciences, reveals a stark truth. Here is the math:

(1 - (12 ÷ 365) = 0.967) x 100 = 97%

This statement, “it’s only one night a mont” implies that Masonic life is confined to a mere few hours, significantly diminishing its perceived value and importance.

This misrepresentation of Masonic commitment stems from a misunderstanding of what it truly means to be a Mason. But also from the Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt that if we make it hard, they won’t join or they won’t stay. But ironically, this creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Being a Mason is not just about attending lodge meetings; it's a 24/7 commitment being something bigger than yourself, a constant journey of self-improvement, learning and growth as well as service to others.

By confining Masonic life to a 4-hour monthly window, we inadvertently create a barrier, preventing Masonry from permeating the daily lives of Men and stops them becoming Masons. This approach leads to a lack of engagement and a failure to fully embrace Masonic principles.

Furthermore, we often hear "Family, Work, Freemasonry" used as an excuse for non-attendance or lack of participation. While emergencies are understandable, this should not become a blanket excuse for regular absence. The commitment to Freemasonry is about prioritising self-improvement even after a long, tiring day.

Another aspect of this discounting is evident in the approach towards learning the ritual. The reluctance to memorising and understand the ritual, citing difficulty or lack of skill, is akin to leaving weights un-lifted at the gym. Just as physical exercise requires frequent effort and commitment, so does the intellectual and moral exercise in Freemasonry.

The aversion to taking on progressive office roles within the fraternity further underscores this problem. Leadership and management in a lodge setting are not about authority but about guiding and nurturing others' growth. This is a far cry from the corporate world, where leadership often involves hiring and firing decisions - in Masonry, you can’t fire your Brother, you need to support him.

The solution lies in revaluing Masonic life.

This begins with redefining the commitment. Being a Mason is not a monthly activity; it's a daily commitment to living by Masonic principles and values.

We need to encourage Masons to embrace every aspect of Freemasonry, including the challenging parts like learning the rituals and taking on leadership roles. The journey of self-improvement in Freemasonry is akin to climbing a mountain. It's not about reaching the summit for the view; it's about the transformation that occurs along the way. It's about setting long-term goals and working persistently towards them, overcoming obstacles, and growing stronger with each step.

Leadership in Freemasonry should be viewed as an opportunity to develop and exercise true leadership skills, which are about nurturing and guiding others. The real challenge and beauty of Masonic leadership lie in leading without the leverage of authority – it's about leadership through influence, guidance, and example.

Freemasonry must be seen as a commitment to a way of life. It's about continuous growth, learning, and contributing to your own development, to the fraternity and society at large. By revaluing Masonic life, we not only honour our traditions but also ensure its relevance and vibrancy for future generations and more importantly deliver on the promise of making good men better (although that statement is for another time)

-So Mote It Be.