What Commitment is required for Freemasonry
I have been a Mason for 17 years and over that time, the explanation given to those men seeking admission has been, well to put it bluntly- it’s been soft.
One of the main lessons of the First Degree is about humbling oneself, and taking a good hard look at ourselves and working out where those superfluous knobs and excrescences are - so that we can apply the trade of Freemasonry and improve ourselves going from the rough and aiming towards the perfect.
We need to realise that softening the commitment to Freemasonry in order to make sure that someone joins, then being soft on that commitment after they’re initiated is completely against everything our ceremonies profess, teach and instruct.
Do we honestly think King Solomon would have completed the temple if he was as soft as we are? What about our operative ancestors?
Now I am not saying we need to hard on the commitment to Freemasonry, rather firm but fair. We need to approach the commitment exactly as how the ceremonies instructs us to.
Here is why:
I am constantly told, we need to fix retention.
Do you think we will actually retain someone who came to freemasonry as a good man to be made better, if we don’t at least make him accountable to the standards in our ceremonies. No. He will come, see that we don’t practice what we preach, and leave.
So many Masons tell me that the men today don’t have any commitment to the craft. That they’d rather stay home and watch Netflix. Combine that, along with all the last minute apologies of family or work commitments that have suddenly crept up out of nowhere as well.
The problem is not the men of today. No. They have come to the craft to be improved, they expect a level of accountability and standards of commitment.
We have to stop this fear, uncertainty and doubt that if we make it too hard they won’t join or worse they won’t stay. The truth is, if someone doesn’t join because they can’t adhere to the basic commitments, that’s perfectly ok - it means the process of weeding out the unsuitable people has worked.
Remember not every stone in the quarry gets selected. A pulse and a police check doesn’t mean they’re suitable.
So what is exactly is the commitment required of each Mason?
In today's career-driven society, many individuals seek organizations that offer networking opportunities to advance their professional lives.
This mindset often leads prospective members to approach Freemasonry with the expectation that it functions as a professional networking group. Such expectations can result in misaligned motivations for joining the fraternity and potential disappointment once the true nature of Masonic relationships becomes clear.
The misconception of Freemasonry as a networking tool can attract members for the wrong reasons. Freemasonry addresses this through its principle of "disinterested friendship." This concept emphasizes that relationships within the fraternity are based on genuine friendships & brotherhood rather than potential material or professional gain.
Within lodges, members are encouraged to leave their professional and social statuses at the door. This fosters an environment where authentic relationships can flourish based on shared values rather than potential advantages. By embracing this principle, Freemasonry creates a unique space where men can form genuine bonds, free from the pressures of professional networking.
While Freemasonry may not offer traditional networking benefits, it provides something potentially more valuable. The fraternity offers men who are seeking to improve themselves a structured path for personal development. However, it's crucial to understand that this is not a passive process. Freemasonry requires active engagement and dedicated effort from its members.
This labor of self-improvement, conducted within a supportive brotherhood, becomes the true value proposition of Freemasonry. It offers men a framework for personal growth, moral development, and the opportunity to positively impact the people that are part of each masons life – benefits that extend far beyond the limitations of professional networking.
The Journey of Self-Improvement
Freemasonry's approach to personal development is active and multifaceted. New members quickly learn that their journey involves more than passive participation in rituals and meetings. The Masonic path requires members to study the teachings from ceremonies, understand the practices of Freemasonry, and then apply these lessons in their daily lives.
This ongoing process of learning and application is at the heart of the Masonic experience. Members are encouraged to make daily progress in Masonic knowledge, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. This might involve studying for degree examinations, reading Masonic literature, or engaging in discussions about the meaning and application of Masonic teachings.
Frequency of Meetings
Freemasonry requires a regular time commitment from its members. Typically, lodges hold monthly regular meetings. In addition to these, there are often rehearsal or management meetings that members, especially those in leadership roles, are expected to attend.
Regular attendance at lodge meetings is an important aspect of Masonic commitment. For those progressing through the degrees, consistent participation is crucial for learning and advancement. However, Freemasonry also recognizes the need for balance in members' lives.
Beyond regular meetings, Freemasons are encouraged to visit other lodges when possible. This practice broadens their Masonic experience and strengthens the bonds between different lodges.
Balancing Freemasonry with Work and Family
One of the key lessons in Freemasonry is effective time management. Members are taught to divide their time wisely, ensuring they can meet all their obligations without causing undue stress to themselves or their families.
Freemasonry encourages members to treat lodge meetings as fixed commitments, similar to attending a class or a important family event. However, it also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.
Members are advised to learn the art of saying "no" to additional responsibilities when their plate is full.
Open communication is crucial in this balancing act. Freemasons are encouraged to be honest about their availability and to ask for help when struggling with their commitments. The fraternity values integrity in fulfilling obligations, but also offers support and understanding when members face challenges.
Freemasonry and Professional Life
Freemasonry recognizes that many members have professional obligations that may include frequent travel. The fraternity is flexible in accommodating these needs. Members who travel for work are encouraged to communicate openly about their availability and to adjust their lodge responsibilities accordingly.
For Freemasons who relocate, either domestically or internationally, the fraternity offers continuity. Members are welcome to attend recognized lodges while traveling overseas, maintaining their connection to the craft even when far from home.
If a member needs to relocate permanently, Freemasonry provides a process for transferring membership to a lodge in the new location. This allows members to maintain their Masonic journey regardless of where life takes them. Even after transferring, many Freemasons choose to maintain connections with their original lodge, creating a global network of brotherly bonds.
Long-Term Commitment and Personal Integrity
Freemasonry is designed to be a lifelong journey of self-improvement and brotherhood. The commitment to the craft extends far beyond attending meetings or performing rituals. It involves a dedication to personal growth, ethical behavior, and community service that permeates all aspects of a Mason's life.
Integrity is a cornerstone of Masonic values. Members are expected to be honest in their commitments, fulfilling the responsibilities they voluntarily accept. This principle applies not only within the lodge but in all areas of life. Freemasons are encouraged to be upfront about their capabilities and availability, and to communicate openly if circumstances change.
The long-term nature of Masonic commitment is exemplified by the many members who join later in life. Freemasonry welcomes men at various stages of their journey, recognizing that the right time to join is when one is ready to fully engage with the craft's teachings and responsibilities.
Conclusion
Committing to Freemasonry involves much more than joining an organization. It requires a willingness to engage in a lifelong journey of self-improvement, to balance multiple responsibilities, and to uphold high ethical standards in all aspects of life.
The rewards of this commitment are equally profound. Freemasonry offers its members the opportunity for genuine friendships, personal growth, and the chance to positively impact their communities. It provides a framework for navigating life's challenges and a supportive brotherhood that extends across the globe.
For those considering joining the fraternity, it's essential to carefully reflect on the commitments involved. Freemasonry is not a casual endeavor, but for those ready to embrace its principles and dedicate themselves to its practices, it offers a unique and enriching path through life.
Ultimately, the commitment to Freemasonry is a commitment to becoming the best version of oneself and to contributing positively to the world. It's a journey that, while demanding, offers profound personal and societal rewards to those who fully engage with its teachings and principles.