A beautiful thing about faith – whatever shape that takes – is that it adds dimension to our hopes for a better tomorrow. Hope that extends beyond this lifetime. Your hereafter has the most beautiful potential, but please don’t let your heavenly hopes distract you from creating a more heavenly experience for all of us, in this life. Too much focus on the destination can create apathy about smaller steps that make up our very important journey. Our human lives may be relatively short but that makes our time here on earth more significant, not less.
Our Order demands that we care for the sick, and relieve the distressed. We are reminded not to judge another by their exterior, and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We are called on to show hospitality to strangers, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to be charitable. Simply declaring a positive belief or affiliation is hollow, without daily actions that are rooted in love.
If I speak about justice, healing and uplifting the whole of humanity – I only remind others to do great things. But if I earnestly contribute to the work of justice, healing and uplifting the whole of humanity, I am a leader and a true Odd Fellow who might inspire others to similar action.
Many of you will know the phrase: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Each new day, and every new breath is a new opportunity to bear excellent fruit – to leave a better world for those who will outlive us. Let our fruits cause anyone watching to recognize us as true Odd Fellows.
We are not meant to simply stand along the roadside, observing with the best of intentions. We are not meant to rest on the laurels of our declarations and affiliations. We are meant to work with others to build a better world.
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