Dressed to Impress?

      Why do so many men today believe it is in their best interest and comfort to wear jeans and sweatshirts to Lodge?  What of overalls and flip-flops?  Is our comfortable society of high drop-out rates and socially accepted drug use in any way a contributor?  It truly seems like it is better to slough off and find excuses rather than  actually putting forth any effort.  This, of course, is my opinion and observation, but I will bet that I am not alone in my concern.

      Gentlemen, I want to talk with you about this.  I personally believe that the person you are is dictated by the actions you perform as a person.  Those who believe in wearing a tuxedo to Lodge are not just being neat and tidy but also making a statement about how they personally feel about what they are doing.  A tuxedo belongs in a place of importance and bluejeans and sweatshirts belong in a comfortable place of leisure and non-importance.  Today men seem to be in a comfort and sloppy mode; a days growth of beard, cut off jeans, a T shirt and a sport coat will take you everywhere.

      I just don't believe in it.  A man who dresses for Lodge, instead of coming as he is, is a man who cares about what is going to happen at Lodge and the part he will play in it.  He is there to respect the traditions of years and years of Masonry and to pass along those traditions to the newest members.  He plans to be a giver of light and improve the quality of the men around him.  He shows it best by how he dresses and how he acts.  He is the example to follow and he is careful to maintain that image.

      We are seeing this phenomenon outside the Lodge doors, too.  Churches are filled with the faithful wearing shorts and every other type of clothing.  Businesses are having dress-down days to try to appease the worker.  Everywhere we turn a slackness is replacing care and dignity.

      How can we stop this invasion of the sloppy into our lives?  We can start by enforcing the dress regulations of our Lodges.  If our Lodge does not have dress regulations, we can institute them.  Improvements are seldom easy yet we must remember that most old things last seemingly forever and most new things fall apart quickly.  Warranties are short these days because most producers know the value of their products.  They believe in preprogrammed failure. This shows up in  dress and deportment, too.

      To make men better we must give them better information and provide a better atmosphere.  We must provide the example that we expect them to follow.  We must start with ourselves.  We must always do what we believe no matter if anyone else follows or not.  If we dress the part and do the work we will get the job done.