"Chores"

I’m going, always going,

And some thought that I’m gone,

But I just keep on going,

Been going for so long.

They never called me lazy,

‘Cause I knew how to work,

Dad, the one who taught me,

‘Nary a task to shirk.

The chores they always beckon,

With the land and livestock here,

Something need’s a-fixin’,

Or feedin’ time is near.

And no, I’m not complainin’,

Glad I can go and do,

When so many others,

Too old or sick and through.

Still throw an old leg over,

A young horse still can start,

Just have to be deliberate,

And play things plenty smart.

I find now that I value,

The time the Lord gives me,

And every task that’s worthy,

Work enthusiastically,

‘Cause in the end I’m workin’,

Not for men’s applause,

But faithful to the Savior,

By grace His Kingdom’s cause.

Lord, let me keep on workin’,

Till my time on earth is through,

Then take me home to glory,

Where I’ll rest in peace with You.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people…” (Colossians 3:23, NLT)

This was Paul’s advice to slaves who had been converted to Christ. Due to the Christian conscience of men like William Wilberforce and Abraham Lincoln, slavery was outlawed a long time ago, and thank God for it! But the counsel still stands concerning work. Paul believed if one wanted to eat they should be willing to work for it, earn their wage, and provide for themselves and then for others in need who could not work. Those who were able should work willingly, as though they were working for God and not just a human employer. How different our world would be if more folks thought and acted that way!

Lord, help us do our work as if we are working for You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mary Ross Buchholz, maryrossbuchholz.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mary, and God bless you.