My brothers we have been given a challenge to rise above common human frailties to seek to live on higher moral and ethical ground than most people. But, have we really embraced our tenets? Many of us, myself included, often see the faults in others while ignoring our own. This behavior can lead to our gossiping and possibly besmirching the good name of a fellow brother. We must be very careful in our judgment of others, lest we step on our own tongues. Brotherly love means that we should accept the imperfections of others and we are instructed to help set our brothers on the correct path when they stray.

I doubt that our term, brotherly love, is anything like the love-hate relationship many real brothers have. Often brothers will fight and be literally ready to strangle each other. But, one thing that we can learn from blood brothers is the nature of forgiveness. I have often seen brothers physically fight and then moments later be back to a normal brotherly relationship. If we damage our fraternal brotherly relations, the healing process will be much more difficult than true brothers. Brothers will ban together against outside forces, and we certainly can learn from that also. What can make us stronger is to find common goals. We have such goals in masonry and the lodge can choose other goals.

Some contentions are allowed between brothers. The contention of who can best perform is certainly necessary for any organization to face. This area of thought is very important to Masonry. Our elections and the appointment of officers are vitally important to the success of a lodge and the satisfaction of the members. The most successful lodges have dynamic leadership that focuses the members on goals that can bring the brothers together. Not all lodges are able to have someone who could be considered dynamic. But, most lodges do have members who have dedicated themselves to working toward Masonic goals. These are the people we should seek as officers.

Our contentions of who can best perform must lead us to the selection of those who are dedicated to the lodge. The friendliest brother around may not be able to accomplish the work that an office requires. Certainly, history is full of great leaders that were not personable. The important decisions we face in the coming election must be based on abilities and willingness to work for the good of the fraternity. We must abandon the notion to vote strictly for our friends or to maintain a line of ascension just because it is the way it has always been done.

As you cast your vote keep in mind the accomplishments you would like this lodge to make. Are your choices the men that may fulfill our goals?