06/20/2026
What a great short read
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There is an old saying: “Everyone wants to be a lion until it’s time to do lion things.” The idea is simple—everyone wants the crown, but not everyone is willing to do the work required to wear it.
Let me be the first to tell you that I do not want the crown. Not me. No way, no how.
There is another saying I have always appreciated: “I’ve seen the boss’s job, and I don’t want it.” Some people are meant to lead from the front. Others are at their best in supporting roles. I have always considered myself one of those people, and I am perfectly comfortable with that.
Now, let’s look at that first saying from a different perspective:
“Everyone wants to be a Mason until it’s time to do Mason things.”
For the record, I am not talking about attending meetings, learning ritual work, or progressing through the degrees. Those are important parts of our fraternity, but they are probably the first things people think of when they hear a statement like that. I am talking about something deeper.
When we think of the lion, we often picture it protecting the pride and caring for those under its charge. That is certainly a noble image, and as Masons we should care for our Brothers and look after those entrusted to us.
But if we are completely honest, doing “Mason things” has surprisingly little to do with the external world.
Yes, we are often reminded that we are the Light of Masonry. That is true. We should strive to shine that light into a darkened world whenever we can. The question is: how do we do that?
How do we fulfill the ideal of taking good men and making them better?
Truthfully, I have never been especially fond of that phrase. Masonry cannot make anyone do anything. Improvement must come through a man’s own free will and sincere desire to grow. No lodge, ritual, or Brother can do that work for him.
He must be willing to be honest with himself.
And that is where the real challenge begins.
Masonry is not a social club. It never has been, and God willing, it never will be. At its heart, it is a mystery school—a place where men seek greater understanding of themselves, their Creator, and their purpose. The goal is self-improvement, not for its own sake, but so that we may, in turn, contribute to a better world.
That kind of growth requires a serious and honest personal inventory. It means examining who we truly are, identifying the rough edges that need work, questioning our assumptions, evaluating our beliefs, and committing ourselves to becoming the men we aspire to be.
That is Mason work.
It also requires the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Faith in yourself and in the process.
Hope that your efforts will lead to meaningful change.
And Charity—not only toward others, but toward yourself. Because growth is rarely a straight path. You may stumble. You may fail. You may find yourself having to begin again.
That is all right.
That is part of being human.
It is one reason why the work of self-examination is not something we do once, but something we do every day.
I should also add that while this journey can sometimes feel solitary, you are never truly alone. You have your Brothers beside you, and you have the Great Architect of the Universe guiding your path. Even in those moments when you feel isolated, there are those who are rooting for your success.
Masonry contains many beautiful traditions, lessons, and experiences. Yet the true work of Masonry is not what happens when you knock upon the door of the lodge, nor even what happens during your degrees—important as those moments are.
The true work begins afterward.
It begins when the symbols and lessons are applied to daily life. It begins when a man turns inward and undertakes the difficult labor of improving himself. In many ways, a Mason becomes truly qualified not through what he has received, but through the internal work he has done.
As for me, I know I still have a fair amount of work left to do.
I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly
