"Boys to Men"

Yes, they call ‘em cowboys,

But they aren’t boys at all,

Unless you say they’re good old boys,

And that’s a sometimes call.

‘Cause see it’s been a long time,

Since boys is what they are,

Although they like to laugh and play,

They act like men, by far.

They’ve learned to keep their promise,

To stand by what they say,

Boys still like to change their minds,

And will from day to day.

Men get up and go to work,

Boys, they call in sick,

If you’re in trouble, need some help,

A man will show up quick.

A boy will use a woman,

A man knows how to love,

A boy still just promotes himself,

Men point to God above.

A man knows when to shut his mouth,

A boy will jabber on,

A man respects a better hand,

A boy thinks he alone,

Knows more than the oldsters,

That’s why he’s hard to bear,

He’ll often rush the cattle,

You’d best not have him there.

‘Cause he’ll react when he is told,

Instead of watch and learn,

From men who know because their years,

Earned for them their turn.

Boys, they say, will yet be boys,

But with God’s grace and aid,

They can change and become men,

‘Cause men aren’t born, they’re made.

And those of us with tired hands,

Comes time to pass the rope,

We’ve seen some boys that we can trust,

And they give us the hope,

That what we know will live through them,

As they become God’s men,

Cowboys by the grace of God,

But those who trust in Him.

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NLT)

The old King James translation of this verse says: “Quit ye like men. Be strong.” In other words, “man up!” It’s all about having the God-given courage to take responsibility and do the right thing. It’s not for the timid or immature. It’s for those who are willing to step up in faith and live a life of radical, God-breathed love. Cowards become heroes. Failures become leaders. Boys become men. And it’s all by the grace of God.

Lord, help us stand firm and do everything with love, in Jesus’ name.

Art by JaNeil Anderson, janeilanderson.com. Used by permission. Thanks, JaNeil, and God bless you.