Chapter Closed


Last night I visited Temple Builders Lodge here in Kansas. In my area, it is the second Traditional Observance Lodge in my Jurisdiction. It was good to sit down and share with those Brothers as well.  I thank them for their hospitality.

I had a thought all typed up and ready to go yesterday. Politics, being a very hot-button issue as of late, had a very political slant. Also, given the nature of my thoughts, I was about ready to send it to the Brother I had been discussing “middle ground” with, as I also told him I did not ever want to place a blemish on our Craft. I wanted to make sure my thought would not do that.

But at the meeting last night, a man I greatly admire and respect gave Masonic Education. He talked about how we should be well, read Brothers, and discuss different Masonic topics. How we should read different pieces of Masonic literature to get a better understanding of our Craft. Then he pulled out a book and said it was really the only one we really needed.  A small blue book that fit in his front shirt pocket. It was coded so that not just anyone could read it, and those who had trouble could work with a Brother who could.

Then he spoke of the Charge in our First Degree. Yes, there are things in it about being a peaceful subject to my government and country, and submit to legal authority. These are also found in the Oath of the Worshipful Master when taking that oath of office. By the way, like my military oath, I do not believe that any of the obligations I have taken have an expiration date, nor have I ever been released from them, even if my term of office has been fulfilled.

But the part of the charge that really spoke to me last night was this. “In your outward demeanor, be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of dishonorable action.”

I really stopped and thought about that for a moment. There are some topics that are best left alone.  Do I have my views? Yes, I sure do. But what will fighting about them online solve? All it does and get Brothers at each other's throats and bring about a personal war. And in the words of Norman Whitfield, what is “War good for” Absolutely Nuthin, say it again.

So, to adhere to the charge I was given 15 years ago. I deleted the original thought. It was funny, as I was looking for some quotes for this thought, I ran across this passage

Proverbs 18:21 states, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

My thoughts become words, and my words have the ability to harm or heal, uplift or tear down, praise or scold.

Yes, GAOTU, I hear you….I am listening.  Chapter closed.

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly. 


 

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