Freemason

In society, there are various operations and alliances to win elections. In Freemasonry, we continuously serve the brethren in Lodges and the Grand Lodge to win their respect and trust through dedication, rather than exchanging benefits or votes to gain Masonic positions and titles for personal pursuit and desire. Freemasonry is not an arena where people fight to the death for positions; election-related resentment should have no place in our Craft. We keep serving the brethren simply because we are willing, not because we aim to climb higher.

For example, in the past 75 years, the Grand Lodge of China has had 46 Grand Masters. On average, they served 7.5 years in the Grand Lodge before being elected to the Grand East, with an average term of 1.5 years, totaling 9 years of service in the Grand Lodge. Among them, 12 served as Grand Secretary for a total of 39 years after stepping down as Grand Master. They continued to serve the Craft even after leaving the East. Personally, I believe that the officer lineup, whether in the Grand Lodge or in the Lodge, serves as progressive training—similar to the three degrees of Freemasonry—allowing brethren who dedicate their time and energy to be entrusted with greater responsibilities, thus learning and growing from the process.

For brethren entering the elective officer lineup, I would like to remind you that the lineup is not a guarantee of promotion but rather a test over years. Like the candidate’s perambulation around the altar during degree work, brethren will observe whether one is ready for the entrusted tasks. When the time comes, you will be given a suitable service role, and you simply need to be ready to undertake it. For brethren whose progression has been interrupted, do not be discouraged—serving the brethren requires no title or position. The brethren will discern one’s character, seeking those with steadfast integrity, capable of impartial judgment, and faithful to the laws, obligations, and usages of regulated Freemasonry to serve the Craft.

When granted a Masonic title or office, we should take pride in the opportunity to serve brethren, not in winning a competition; we should be grateful for the training opportunity, not feel superior to others. Masonic positions and titles are merely markers along our Masonic journey, not goals of personal achievement. Every Mason should understand that titles do not command loyalty—example does.

Being obsessed with obtaining a position and the accompanying prestige or benefits is a self-imposed shackle that hinders one’s pursuit of Masonic light. It pulls you backward rather than pushes you forward. You may feel distressed when not obtaining a desired office, thinking you are undervalued or that someone has taken your opportunity. You may feel even more troubled when you do obtain it, as ambition burns to grasp even higher offices. Such a path is futile—it is like adding fuel to a fire, only sinking deeper and drifting away from the Masonic spirit. Freemasonry is lifelong learning. Chasing after transient positions and fame—even if obtained—merely builds a cage for your soul. Once trapped, how can you transcend and progress further? The highest reward of Freemasonry is the wisdom gained from peace and harmony. Each office is only a milestone guiding our growth—work when called, let go when complete, and do not become enamored with the scenery along the journey lest you forget that our ultimate destination is the GAOTU’s home within our hearts.

“You must learn to work for the work’s sake, without desire of approbation or reward. Work and action have their own rewards. It is the duty of a man who seeks and accumulates greater knowledge to know and practice those ethical and moral principles which demonstrate Man’s highest and most noble nature. As you begin your climb to the skies of spiritual knowledge, your eyes are anointed to discern truth from error. You are given the Key to the Mysteries, and it devolves upon you to discover its use.”