This is directed at the brethren who whinge about being overlooked for honours. You need to accept that Masonic preferment is simply recognition of past services as well as an inducement to greater service in the future. It doesnt bring any benefit nor will it automatically enhance your enjoyment of Freemasonry or make you important. You will still remain you, with all the same strengths and weaknesses you had before. If you remain persistent in your desire for honours then you must realise that there are a great many competitors clamouring for a limited number of appointments. So if your want it, you have to stand out from the crowd which takes time and great dedication. You must appreciate that SLGR, or Grand Rank, is awarded for services to the Metropolitan Grand Lodge and London Freemasonry, or to Grand Lodge and Masonry in general. You will never earn high rank or office simply by being an officer in your own Lodge and attending its meetings. That is expected of you anyway. High rank and office comes ONLY through being exceptionally successful in advancing and promoting Freemasonry or some significant aspect of it. Do not expect recognition to come quickly. It requires a sustained effort over a prolonged period - our leaders want to see that you have the stamina and determination to be successful over time. You will need to find a niche where you can apply your skills and talents and volunteer your services. Dont be a psychophant. Visit other Lodges at all important meetings. Be charitable in your life and actions. Display sound judgement and strict morals. Become an excellent ritualist. Ensure that every task you are given is completed on time and successfully. Never shy away from any task you are asked to perform, particularly those where you are in a leadership role. Help others wherever possible. Give of yourself whole-heartedly and seek nothing in return but the self-satisfaction of a job well done. Remember above all else that rank and office are elusive. If you hunt them you will never find them, but if you excel in all things Masonic, they will automatically find you. Be sure not to confuse importance with respect. The most important men in Freemasonry are our newest Initiates and the least important, but most respected, are those with the most gold braid - their Masonic careers are coming to a close after a life-time of labour and service and they have earned your love and respect. So, if you devote your life to the advancement of our Craft and love every minute of it, truly learn and understand the lessons of Masonry and apply them in your daily life and finally earn the friendship, love and respect of your brethren for who you are, what you do and how you do it, then you will receive the honours you crave and simultaneously realise that they really do not matter at all.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 22:30:24 +0000
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