The famous phrase, “Freemasonry helps good men become better.” But what does this mean. If we are all good men, then how much better can we become. Is it all just a lie, an elevator speech, or is there some hidden meaning behind this phrase?
Yes, it is true! Becoming a Freemason has really changed my life for the better. At least in my opinion. I was pretty shy before coming into the Lodge. I was unsure of who I was or what I was looking for. All I know, I saw the movie National Treasure and I wanted to know more about Freemasonry. Nobody in my family was a Mason that I knew about. I always thought my grandpa might have been, but after research and visiting the Lodge from his home town and speaking to people at the lodge that knew my grandpa it was evident that he was not a Mason. But through Masonry, I found out more about myself quicker than I might have on any other path. I now feel more comfortable talking in front of others. I now spend more time thinking about my actions and what I say. While I may not be perfect, and I do make mistakes often and say things I probably should not have, I do believe that I am improving each and every day.
The idea of taking good men and helping them become better is all about finding those that want to learn more and to find some form of success in their lives. It would be difficult to help someone that just doesn’t want to help themselves or is constantly creating more mischief for themselves that hinders their ability to improve, this is what would be considered the opposite of a good man. Only those that choose to improve can become better. The Freemason Lodge is not what makes a good man better. It is the brother himself that creates his opportunity to become better. It is with the support of the brethren of the lodge that help him become better. It is through the various teachings from the brethren over the years that a man can learn more about himself and his path to becoming better.
TLDR; – Freemasonry will help those good men that want to improve to become a better man, a better father, a better husband and a better neighbor and friend.