As Masons, we can appreciate the fact that each one of us has a reputation, an opinion of what others think of us. I know to some, that may be very important, while others could care less what others think of them, but the fact is, it does exist. There is a reputation attached to our name. If we do care about our reputation, we constantly try to better ourselves in regards to our relationship with others. If we pay attention to how others react to our actions, listening carefully to what others may mention to us, we will soon realize where changes need to be made. What would motivate us to make such changes, if discerned correctly, and if we have interest in this subject matter? Our name should motivate us. That’s who we are. We also carry with us the name of our parents and our children. Others will hear of our name and associate that with our actions, leaving a mark when we leave this world after we have passed. How we affect the way others feel personally and deeply, good or bad, can be a strong motivator, too. In a marriage we have heard the saying, ‘behind every good man is a good woman.’ So, we might, and can affect our spouse’s reputation by our actions. Additionally, our actions can affect the name and reputation of an organization we are members of, even if that organization does not teach or approve of those actions.
As Masons, we do well by thinking of our reputation. We know there have been great men in Masonry that have done great things for this Nation. They applied Masonic principles and had wonderful results. We can do 1000 good things for others but all it takes is one bad thing to break down all that hard work, and our reputation is damaged, resulting in a frustrating situation for ourselves and even others.
Yet, some will say, ‘well we are not perfect,’ but we do not have to be perfect to do good things in this life. Common sense tells us what is right and wrong, simply by the results, good or bad. May we, as Masons, meditate on what kind of reputation we have built and are continuing to build, making necessary adjustments to continue doing the good work we’ve done thus far in our lives, and in the craft of Freemasonry, as well, and may the All Mighty God in heavens bless our lives and help us to continue in our goals and purpose in life.
Sal Pacheco, Worshipful Master
The Guiding Light / Sept. 2015 7