SCORPION

Masonic lodges have a sweet smell about them. Brotherhood is in the air and the principle of equality finds a perfectly welcome spot at the altar of obligation and prayer. Those sanctuaries are no different than any other meeting place, as far as furnishings go. But, the people are different. In a Masonic lodge one man regards another person whom he has just met for the first time as a long-lost friend. The Masons who gather there were not born to be different from other men. Each has his own cross to bear; each has enough sin in his past to condemn him. Yet, there is something special about the purpose-driven lives noticeable in the people who comprise the congregation. Harmony is worked at; kindnesses are freely given; smiles are easily flashed; and, men care not whether you reside in high society, or mingle daily with the middle class that makes up your neighborhood.

Within those lodges men meet upon the level; the rich and the poor; the high and the low; who, as created by one Almighty parent and inhabitants of the same world are to aid, support and protect one another. Men of diverse creeds, different interests and disparate occupations share a mutual respect and true regard for each other. Freemasonry lifts those men to a higher level than they would have ever believed themselves capable of reaching. Once there, each Freemason more clearly sees and understands the true meaning of the word "equality."

No two people are, or should be treated differently in a Masonic lodge. Impartiality and fairness are, or should be accepted as routine by all members. For that reason alone discrimination is unknown among the members of the Craft, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish them; and, with heart and tongue they join in promoting each other's welfare and rejoicing in each other's prosperity. No one is precluded from participating in the lodge's activities and equal access is given to the hidden mysteries.

Yet, the virtues symbolized by the level are not intended to be limited to the Masonic lodge room. The concept of equality, or of treating others with equal respect, is to be put into action by every Mason outside of the lodge room. At work, when others jump on the bandwagon to crucify a fellow worker, the Mason among them may be expected to demand common courtesy, compassion and empathy. In social circles when the conversation turns to criticizing a friend who is not present, the Mason among them may be expected to encourage restraint. When anger, disharmony, or disrespect of any nature rears its ugly head, it will not be a surprise to those who know that by word and example the Mason in the crowd promotes peace, harmony and goodwill.

Thus, as with all other virtues taught in Freemasonry, the lessons in equality taught by the level, instilled and nurtured within a Masonic lodge, achieve the greatest good for all mankind when lived in the world by the Mason himself. It comes as no surprise to followers of the Craft that Freemasons expect of themselves that each will be the change they expect to see in the world. In so becoming, each Mason brings light into the world and yields himself to become God's vessel for extending extraordinary grace to all creation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_R._Heisner