Every time someone brings up a dress code we hear this: “It is the internal and not the external qualification….” What is the first thing we notice when we meet someone? Does a man’s appearance reflect what is in his heart? Is it fair for us to be judged by our appearance?

One of the things we must all realize is that when we represent ourselves as Masons, we are representing every Brother in the world. If you wear a Masonic ring or have an emblem on your vehicle or Facebook account, you are representing all of us. We are all judged by each other’s actions and each other’s appearance. Our fraternity is judged by everything we say and do.

What is the first thing we notice when we meet someone? First impressions are the strongest. Is he clean? Does he smell? Does he need a shave or a hair cut? Are his clothes clean and ironed? Does he use profanity? These are all things we subconsciously notice the first time we meet someone. Why do people dress their best for a first date, church, or a job interview? Because we are all judged by our appearance.

The Bible says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” Matthew 7. We are not supposed to judge, but we do. If you are married, whether you like it or not, other women judge your wife by your appearance. If you dress like a bum or use profanity, you are judged as such, and by reflection so are the people with whom you associate. None of this has anything to do with money or the lack there of. Some of the poorest people we meet dress neat as a pin. They have pride in their appearance. Likewise, some of the wealthiest people we know dress like slobs and curse like sailors.

Does a man’s appearance reflects what is in his heart? It absolutely does. Our fraternity professes that we take good men and make them better. The Rough Ashlar and The Perfect Ashlar are good examples. “By the Rough Ashlar we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state we by nature; by the Perfect Ashlar, that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of God.”

This describes not only our outward appearance but also describes our internal appearance. As we grow and mature, internally and spiritually, our outward appearance changes to reflect this growth. We begin to take pride in the way we look and appear because we are representing not only ourselves, we are representing our fraternity, our families, and our God.

Jason Jefcoat, GM

Grand Lodge of Mississippi