Why Do Modern Men Flinch at Giving?

Giving:  The quiet muscle most men forget they were called to exercise.

Disclaimer:
The views and reflections expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts. While this message aligns with the values of personal growth and charitable giving upheld by Freemasonry, it is shared as an individual perspective meant to inspire thoughtful reflection—not as dogmatic instruction.

Let's Talk About a Trigger Word: Dues

Feel that twinge? Those mixed feelings?

You’re not alone.

The word "dues" sounds like a tax. A bill. A subscription you forgot to cancel.

But what if we need some more perspective?

What if dues don't need to be a drain—but a doorway to make us stronger? Not a fee—but a form of the Work we are called to as men and as Masons?

The Truth Is: Giving Is a Craft

Freemasonry is an ancient system of transformation.

Freemasonry gives men ritual, mentors, symbols, and structure so they can build themselves into something greater.

But transformation isn’t passive.

It requires sacrifice, discipline, and the regular use of tools and challenges that stretch us.

One of the most powerful—and most ignored—tools in the box?

Giving.

Not every man gives well.

Giving is a skill, a muscle, and a practice–just ask many of our seasoned Master Masons.

Just like the Fellowcraft climbs the winding staircase of self-mastery, the Master Mason is called to climb another staircase—quieter, heavier, less glamorous one:

Monetary responsibility.

But why?

Because giving isn’t about amounts of money. It’s about personal responsibility to mission.

It’s about participation; doing our part in the Grand Design—investing in the structure that calls us to shape ourselves into living temples for the greater good of today.

Paying Dues is Not a Transaction. It's an Initiatory Act.

Read that again.

So I say again, you’re not just paying dues.

Whether you're giving time or resources, you’re contributing to a Great Work which began hundreds of years ago to see the world a better place.

And as Masons, your contributions? Thankfully: 

1. Keeps the lights on.

2. Preserves the place where men meet to be held accountable.

3. Sustains Brotherhood, Charity, and the passing down of traditions to a world that cries out for everything Freemasonry gives to its members.
   

It's legacy funding. And you get to have a legacy... But we mustn't leave it to chance, when it was designed to become a habit.

Want to Get Better at Giving?

If giving is hard for you, you’re not alone. Admittedly, it was hard for me at first...  It took a bit of time before I truly understood why I needed to give–to really exercise a muscle that I hadn't really been using much (yes, it felt painful at first, until I saw what my contributions did alongside those of the Brethren during the Honor Flight fundraiser)

Freemasonry challenges and trains men—in generosity as much as it does Geometry.

We learn to give:

• Time

• Attention

• Wisdom

• Presence

• And yes… resources

Dues? They’re the practice reps. The warm-up before heavier lifts like:

• Helping a Brother in need

• Backing a Lodge charity

• Showing up when no one else will

We’re Builders—But Someone Has to Pay for the Bricks

Let’s stop pretending we’re above the material world.

We use tools.
We meet in buildings.
We print books.
We sponsor scholarships.

All of that takes means.

But more than that—it takes men who believe in the mission enough to contribute to it.

Conclusion

Stop seeing dues as a price tag. Start seeing it as an opportunity to exercise personal responsibility and contribute (however great or small is of no consequence).

Learn to see it as a way to:

• Transform passive membership into investment

• Amplify your impact—without feeling pressure

• Practice something the modern world has forgotten: stewardship

Because the man who can give with clarity and joy… Is a man who is mastering himself.

The real question Is: What kind of IMPACT could be had if every man viewed his contributions as a brick in the greater Temple of Humanity?

Are you willing to help build that?