Stones 'n' Bones: Drawing lines around my circle

I hadn't intended on reblogging the words of others when I drew up my (limited) plan of operations here.  If I like something, I tweet it.  Far too many blogs are mere echo chambers repeating what someone else wrote.  However, this was too excellent to not share.

One of the most useful tools in Freemasonry is the compass. Put simply, the compass has two points. You stand at one, and the other circumscribes a circle around you. These are the bounds in which you live. Don’t step over them.

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Basically, don’t do stupid stuff. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Remember your responsibilities to yourself, your family, and mankind. It can sometimes be taken as a bit of a dream-killer, but here’s the thing about your circle. You draw it. You figure out how big it is, and what fits inside it. The symbolism is to remind you to be mindful of things. It’s to remind you that some things are out of your scope and control, but some things are in your control, and you should probably control them.

This is an excellent example of the "dot in a circle" symbol that so many of us need to learn.  The Masonic embodiment of 1 Corinthians 10:13: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." (KJV)  Matthew Henry's commentary expands upon this:

10:23-33 There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.

As children of God created with a free will, we can do whatever we choose.  Good or evil, healthy or unhealthy.  It is not a question of can we do it, but one of should we do it.  Why yes, I could eat a jar of jalapeños, but should I?  Sure, I could probably have another beer, but should I?  For some brothers, yes, they could get away with a moral indiscretion while out of town, but should they?  Draw your boundaries and stick with them.  Learn what your limits of good, responsible behavior are, and stay within them.

Consider this quote from Season 11 The Simpsons episode Saddlesore Galactica:

Homer: See Marge? I told you they could deep fry my shirt.
Marge: I didn't say they couldn't. I said you shouldn't

 Pretty much sums it up, no?