The 4 Action Columns of Masonic Life

Education is something we impress upon our children.

Education is something we impress upon our children. It is so that the development of mind rises with the social stature of that age. It prepares them for life in general and teaches the necessities for adulthood.

Prayer
Charity
Study
Illumination

Prayer
This is by no means advertising or promoting any faith or religion, but it is a necessity of every Freemason to prove to his own soul that there exists a Higher Power that we commonly refer to as the GAOTU. Believing in His ‘Rewarding virtue and punishing vice’ is a personal choice that we acknowledge before stepping foot into our Lodge as a candidate. It what separates us from being just an applicant at the time and thus stays as part of our personal structure until time immemorial.

There are probably as many ways to pray as there are personalities, but again, through our own freedom of choice, we can do this in any environment at any time we choose. But it is important to remember to pray. And again, what we pray for is a personal choice providing we do not ask for material wants that is conveyed as greed. There are fine lines on this subject such as thanking The Almighty for gifts already received. And getting into the philosophies of religion are definitely subjects we as Masons do not discuss amongst ourselves in and about our Lodges.

While Freemasonry supports Religion, it cannot be in any way acknowledged as such. Freemasonry has no dogma or sacraments. We do not seek converts nor solicit new members. Prayer, however, helps us to remember that we must follow those rules and commandments that keep us within due bounds of a society where humanity and good will to all connects with the moral standards that Freemasonry impresses upon us.

Charity
Begins at home, and then spreads from there. Being a Freemason helps us to be better at what we do in a moral sense. Charity is what keeps greed from rearing its ugly head in our presence. Charity makes us better human beings. It is the result of caring. Charity does not only mean opening the wallet or purse to help the less fortunate or needy. It also means opening our hearts, our time, our resources to assist where we can for those in need of such things as lending an open ear or mind, giving resources and contacts where we can, and of our time to see through that help or assistance.

It is said that Charity ‘encompasses the whole, and the Mason who is in possession of this virtue in its most ample sense, may justly be deemed have arrived at the summit of Freemasonry….’. Another word for Charity is Love. This very overused, yet powerful word has many meanings to many people. Yet if we think of it as the opposite of Hate, which seems to be a more definitive word and as opposingly powerful, it makes it easier to understand what we, as humans, and specifically Masons, need to do. Prove to ourselves without the glorification, personal need and expected restitution, to ease the pain of another. This is Charity. This is how we need to treat one another. Especially since random acts of kindness will speak volumes of the giver, and relieves the sorrow of the recipient. It evens things out and thus, puts us all on the Level.

Study
Education is something we impress upon our children. It is so that the development of mind rises with the social stature of that age. It prepares them for life in general and teaches the necessities for adulthood. What happens next is the need for continuing education, professional or not, to keep up with growing technology and globalization. In our shrinking societies, we are getting closer to cultures never seen in the history of Man and we need to understand each other in broader scope in order to live in harmony and ultimately survive.

In comparison to the rest of the world, our small Masonic society has more information per capita available to us. Books, readings, videos and personal resources can teach and show us to expand our moral fiber which is the very foundation on which Freemasonry is built. In essence, it expands our thinking, begs more questions and gives us in return the greatest benefit of understanding.

Grand Lodge expresses the importance of Education and has Education Committees and Education Talks and Seminars. Take advantage of any of these in your and surrounding Districts. Regardless of age, experience, Masonic Rank, get Educated through Study.


Illumination
A light illuminates at any charge of energy. We can see it, or feel the glow in within ourselves when we become enlightened. The latter is what one should have when that power within becomes discovered. Power being knowledge, knowledge being light. From that we will display an aura of satisfaction. This energy is transferred to the benevolence and charity to which all Masons aspire.

None of what that is written is new. It is said in our lodges during different occasions, in different ways. It never hurts to be reminded what our purpose is, even in some small way. As in some small way, I hope this rejuvenates a spirit that needed to be awakened.

Peace, Brethren.

Editors Note: