Grand Orator
During the service this past Sunday, the sermon came from the Book of Romans, Chapter 5, Verses 1-5.
In those verses, it says “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character builds hope.” In my past life the saying was shortened to “No Pain, No Gain.” So, what does that actually mean, does it mean we should all suffer everyday in order to become better?
I don’t think so. I think it means: that which is worthy of our time and effort is worth working hard to obtain. That means everything: your relationship with your God , your spouse’s hand in marriage, your relationship with your family, your chairs through the Lodge, your education, your career, that trophy whitetail buck you’ve been seeing all summer long and that 10-pound bass you know lives in that deep hole on the river.
Yet, we see people slide through life with a variety of things basically handed to them: a promotion at work, the A grade to the teacher’s pet, the Master’s Chair in Lodge, the awards and recognition for those not really deserving. Yes, it’s all around us. I know, I’ve seen far too many promoted to positions they did not truly deserve but only because “it was their turn.” And yes, I know, they contribute nothing positive to the group.
Do we suffer from that in our Fraternity? Yes, unfortunately we occasionally do. Most commonly I hear them referred to as Title Seekers and Placeholders. They don’t really contribute to the betterment of the Lodge or to the Craft as a whole, but in most cases they don’t really do any harm. Nothing positive comes from these actions. We have to stop this; it’s not benefiting the Lodge or the Craft.
However, what they absolutely do is this, they hold back a much more deserving, dedicated, and qualified Brother that could help the Lodge and the Craft grow. Secondly, they drive many good men away. If the rewards and recognitions continually go to the same group, if promotion is just a continual recycling of the same group, where is the incentive and motivation for others to remain in your Lodge or in our Fraternity? There is none and I have seen too many Brothers leave never to return to the Lodge.
So, ask yourself, what can we do about it? We can start by working with our members to learn ritual, study Williams Digest of Laws, incorporate educational programs in our Lodge meetings, have the courage and take the initiative to support one who is more deserving of those positions and awards. If you don’t agree or understand something, have the courage to get up and ask WHY. Get more active in the day-to-day business of your Lodge, study the budget, ask the “Why” questions in Lodge. Learn a part in the ritual so that you don’t have only one person in your lodge that knows it.
If we truly want a better Fraternity, a better Lodge and a better relationship with our Brothers, we have to work for it. Do not sit idly by and allow the “That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It” attitude to rule your Lodge. Step up, work for it and put forth the pain and effort. Encourage others to do the same, support them, encourage them. Become a team that exemplifies the Craft, a Lodge that men seek to join.
Become The Example of a True and Worthy Brother.
Xerxes Z. Herrington, WM Petal Lodge #516
Grand Orator, Grand Lodge of MS
