The Whole Man

      After having looked closely at the three degrees of Freemasonry, it is now possible to begin to raise the building of the Whole Man as a unity.  We have long held the concept of the three stages of a man’s life - youth, manhood and old age - and can now add to that the understanding gained from the first, second, and third degrees.  In youth we grow in knowledge of our world and learn to understand it and react to it.  In manhood we obtain experience in self-control in interpersonal relationships and work.  In old age we gain the wisdom to judge and advise while leading by sound example.  Therein is exemplified the “just and perfect Freemason” that you started to become way back at your beginning through the first degree.

      The Whole Man is not a perfect man.  He is a Man in Work who is striving to become the Perfect Man.  He is an Aware Man who is attempting to subdue his passions and improve himself in Freemasonry.  He is aware of his feelings and knows himself to be a thinking man. He uses his rational mind to circumscribe his emotions, keeping them within due bounds.  He also uses his emotional self to undo the limits of his rational mind that might prevent him from achieving creativity and inspiration.  He is also the Spiritual Man who recognizes that everything he does must be done to praise of the Great Architect of the Universe and reflect His perfect love.
      The road of the Whole Man is difficult because it requires constant self evaluation and long-term mental commitment.  Great decisions of tremendous import need to be made.  Some of these include:  will I dedicate more time to work or family?; will I take a partner or will I travel alone?; how many children will I have?; which religious path will I travel?; will I live in the city or country?  Each of these (and many others) is life changing events and need be made with the full attention of the Whole Man.  As these questions are faced and decisions made, the next lower level of decisions will appear and this will continue down to the everyday events that seem almost harmless by contrast.  The Whole Man knows that they are definitely not harmless and the little decisions may alter the path of larger decisions.  Each decision, no matter how small it seem, has a direct bearing on the life of the Whole Man and each must be made accordingly.

      After a hard day at work the thought might leap into your head to stop on the way home for a cold beer.  That seems to be a fairly safe decision to make and the reward seems certainly welcome.  The Whole Man will have to take a second to evaluate this before making a decision.  A good question to ask is, “Does this decision conflict with any commitments that I have or any vows I have make?”  The Whole Man will know the answer to the question instantly because he is accustomed to listening to his inner self and being truthful with himself.  Another example might be found on the golf course during a weekly foursome.  You find yourself separated from your fellows and see that your ball has a bad lie.  No one but you will ever know if you move your ball to a better lie. The Whole Man finds this to be an easy decision.  Integrity is personally important.  It helps you decide who you are.  The Whole Man always strives to be comfortable with himself even if it may cost him a stroke on his scorecard and a loss to a friend.

      The Whole Man is yet but a mortal man and still makes mistakes.  Some will be made knowingly and some not.  The difference here is that the Whole Man knows what he is doing and will readily pay the penalty for any transgression.  The Whole Man knows that there is really “no free lunch” and that every choice has a cost.  He is willing to pay what he owes.  He will consciously make the decision whether to work late and try for that promotion or go home early and attend his daughter’s ball game.  He will decide whether to talk with his coworker about misleading a customer in a sales promotion or remaining silent.  He will decide to fully participate in jury duty or attempt to be relieved of duty.  He will decide whether to leave his name and address on the windshield of the car he barely scraped in the parking lot.

      The Whole Man is aware that education is an ongoing opportunity to continually receive more light.  He will seek opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge about almost anything.  One of the greatest opportunities that he will ever have is to provide time and direction to new Freemasons and aid them along in their newly established path toward light.  He will take joy in participating in lodge work and be a leader in Masonic education.  He will know his talents and lend them willingly in aiding a distressed brother.  The whole man is in love with his God, his world, his family, and his friends.

      The love of the Whole Man extends to times of pain and trial.  He finds strength within himself to show mercy as well as seek justice.  He understands that in most situations, given the right motivations, he, too, might decide to break the law.  He is very careful in judgment as he understands how difficult it is to have enough knowledge to judge impartially and rationally. 

      The Whole Man is a work of art.  He is what a man who learns the difference between good and evil can chose to go in the way of right and love.  Becoming a Whole Man is very difficult to achieve on this Earth and takes a lifetime of thought and effort.  Every successful decision that is made toward that goal is a vote for the ability of mankind to return to the close relationship with God that He originally intended.

This article first appeared in the Missouri Freemason Magazine in 2011.