The Hungers of the Human Heart: A Masonic Reflection on Balance
Yes, Brethren, once again I am sharing some personal reflection. This was prompted from a sermon at church – and the intention here is not to push my faith/denomination onto you – but to reflect on what the Great Light of Masonry and Freemasonry in general is teaching me. We were studying 2 Peter, and I cannot ignore that with some of the things going on in my workplace – this hit a little harder on me than it ever has. I have been focused on “Balance” lately – if you can’t tell.
Freemasonry teaches that the purpose of the Craft is the improvement of ourselves. Through symbols, allegory, and reflection, we learn to better understand our nature and govern our lives according to wisdom, strength, and beauty.
Every man who enters the lodge brings with him certain hungers of the human heart—deep desires that shape his thoughts and actions. These desires are not wrong in themselves. In fact, many inspire noble deeds. Everyone’s “intentions are good”. But when left unchecked, they can draw a man away from balance and harmony.
The work of a Mason is not to destroy these desires, but to govern them wisely, keeping them within due bounds as taught by the Compasses.
Let us consider several of these human hungers and how the Mason may bring them into harmony.
The Hunger to Be Valued
Every man wishes to feel that his life and labor matter. This desire for recognition can inspire diligence and service, yet it may also lead to pride if it becomes our chief aim.
Freemasonry reminds us that the most honorable deeds are often those done quietly and without expectation of reward.
A Mason remembers that his worth is measured not by applause, but by character. Quiet reflection or journaling can help a Brother ask himself:
Am I seeking recognition, or am I seeking to do what is right?
I encourage you to journal – the discipline to do so is sometimes a struggle for me.
The Hunger for Control
Men often desire control over their circumstances and those around them. Yet experience teaches that much of life lies beyond our control.
Freemasonry encourages the Brother to first govern himself, for self-mastery is the foundation of true leadership.
Patience, humility, and prayer cultivate this discipline. When we recognize the limits of our control, we learn to trust the wisdom of the Great Architect.
The Hunger for Security
Every man desires safety and stability for himself and those he loves. This instinct is natural yet fear of uncertainty can bind a man to comfort and prevent him from living with courage.
A Mason finds balance by trusting not only in worldly possessions, but in God’s guidance and the strength of moral character.
The Hunger for Belonging
Man is by nature a social being. We long for fraternity and community.
Freemasonry answers this desire through the bonds of Brotherly Love, yet it reminds us that our kindness must extend beyond the lodge.
True brotherhood inspires charity toward all mankind.
The Hunger for Meaning
Every thoughtful man eventually asks: Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life?
Freemasonry encourages this search through study, contemplation, and reverence for sacred truth.
Through Scripture, reflection on the degrees, and the study of the liberal arts, the Mason seeks a deeper understanding of his place in the universe.
The Hunger for Growth
Freemasonry is a system of moral and intellectual self-improvement. The rough ashlar reminds us that every good man begins imperfect but is capable of refinement.
Maintaining Balance
The working tools of Masonry remind us that life must be lived in balance and harmony.
• The Square teaches moral conduct.
• The Compasses restrain our passions.
• The Level reminds us of equality.
• The Plumb teaches uprightness of life.
Through these symbols we learn to keep the natural desires of the heart within proper bounds.
Practical Steps for the Mason
A Mason may cultivate balance through several simple practices:
- Regular Reflection: Quiet contemplation or journaling helps a Brother examine his motives.
- Study of Sacred Writings: The Holy Bible—the Great Light in Masonry—offers moral and spiritual guidance.
- Participation in Lodge Life: Active involvement strengthens the bonds of brotherhood.
- Charity and Service: Acts of kindness remind us that our lives are meant to benefit others.
- Continual Learning: Study of the liberal arts refines the mind and character.
Closing
Brethren, the desires of the human heart are powerful forces. Left unchecked, they may lead a man astray; yet when governed by wisdom and virtue, they become the very instruments by which a good life is built.
Freemasonry does not ask that we extinguish these desires, but that we discipline them, refine them, and direct them toward worthy ends and protecting us form those who might try to exploit these desires.
As we labor upon the spiritual temple of our character, may we remember that each day offers an opportunity to shape the rough ashlar of our nature—squaring our actions by virtue, circumscribing our passions with the compasses, and walking uprightly before God and man.
And if we pursue this work faithfully, we may hope that our lives will stand as stones well prepared for that spiritual building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
As the Apostle Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 1:5–7:
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” ESV
This progression closely resembles the moral development taught in Freemasonry:
- faith as the foundation
- knowledge through study and enlightenment
- self-control by circumscribing our passions
- perseverance in virtue
- and finally, brotherly love
In many ways, it is a spiritual working plan for building character, much like shaping the rough ashlar into the perfect ashlar.
So Mote It Be.
James A. Clark
Author’s Note: This lesson was another personal reflection of the author’s. There is no intent to make accusations or align with the author’s personal faith.
