For many of we remember the first time we were called Brother. In my case it was in the Temple I grew up, the one I became a member of DeMolay in, and my father was beside me - definitely one of those moments that sticks with you.
But was I a member or a Mason at that point?
For that matter when you complete your degrees are you a Mason?
I know that for many the answer would be yes,. We've completed our degrees, signed the Lodge's by-laws, and have our dues cards in hand. However, carrying a card and putting on an apron does not a Mason make.
To truly be a Mason you have to take the time and learn the lessons. You have to really sit down with the ritual and read through it, take notes, look up the words you don't know the meaning of, the "work in the quarries" aspect of Freemasonry. You need to open yourself up to the growth opportunities of sitting with other Masons and comparing those notes, listening to other points of view, and embrace the fact that no one has all the answers and that those disagreements are part of the learning process.
You need to get out an travel to other Lodges. When you do, you need to not only enjoy the company of those Brothers and their Lodge, but also give a bit of yourself back by sharing your stories and if needed, jump in to help.
Doing those things will move you from being just a member into being a Mason. We must never forget that as we were told at the beginning, it is in the internal and not the external that's important.
You can take away my title, you can remove the collar of the office I hold and the medals on my jacket, but at the end of the day you can't take what I am on the inside. You can't remove the part that makes me a Mason, because it isn't something I carry or wear, it's who I am at my core.
So, are you a member or a Mason?