The teachings of our institution tells us that charity is the brightest gem that can adorn our Masonic profession. Happy is the man who has sowed in his breast the seeds of benevolence; the produce there of is love and peace. On the other hand, Selfishness is evil and immoral in that it prevents the person afflicted with this dread disease from reaching spiritual perfection. He does not set worthwhile goals, and strives to keep others from reaching theirs. As Masons we must remember that selfishness is in direct violation of the teachings of the Supreme Architect of the Universe. It is cancer that robs us of emotional and spiritual security, leaving us empty human beings. It is natural to look for security by taking from life through some useful goal, where you do no harm to yourself, your family, or others. The Supreme Architect of the Universe gave us the Great Book of Nature and Revelation as a spiritual, moral, and Masonic Tresleboard. It teaches us to give to others who are in desperate need of good will and compassion. To Relieve the Distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly the Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. Selfishness is a destructive trait that takes us away from this higher calling, and prevents us from obtaining perfection in the eyes of God. The selfish Mason, prefer to be self-centered, petty and small. He forgets that it is by the square that we learn morality, by the level equality and by the plum rectitude of life and conduct. He lets wrath, loss of reason and fair play govern his actions. He thinks in destructive terms and seethe with resentment at others good fortune, hurting himself in the process. He forgets that to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with them in their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace onto their troubled minds is the great aim of every worthy Mason.
My brothers, we must forever guard ourselves against selfishness through the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, the principal tenets of our profession. The person with only self-interest is doomed, since self-interest makes him less than what he really can be and leads to atrophy of the mind, spirit, and body. We must search our hearts, to ensure this disease is eradicated. We must forever be mindful that the use of self-for-self alone can never gain us access to the Grand Lodge on High. However, the use of selflessness to understand our needs and the needs of others allows us to obtain that goodness of heart, that fair fame, that purity of intention and love of virtue of which, is the possession of every good Mason. Which shall it be for you? Will it be selfishness or selflessness? Will you be able to hail with joy the summons of the Grand Warden on high to repair from your labor here on earth to eternal refreshment in the paradise of God? Will you be worthy of being seated at the right hand of the Grand Architect of the Universe?
Remember brothers, we should forever use our trowel to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, use the compasses to circumscribe our words and actions. It is through the proper use of our Masonic implements, that we shall protect ourselves from those selfish thoughts and actions which will block our path to the kingdom of God.
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