"Mess"

 Dad left the kitchen in a mess,

Each time that he’d cook,

Sometimes we helped Mom clean it,

Lord, she’d give him that look.

‘Cause stacked up high were pots and pans,

And dishes and much more,

And grease and food and everything,

When he walked out the door.

He never gave a single thought,

To the mess he made,

Guess he thought he’d done enough,

That by cleaning we repaid.

I never said it to him,

But later on I knew,

That cleaning up my messes,

Was something I should do.

Others have stepped in and helped,

All along the way,

But I have tried my best you see,

On any given day,

To clean it up, not put it off,

And get it done right quick,

So I don’t have to dread it,

Which kinda makes me sick.

I’ve often wondered ‘bout the folks,

Who make a massive mess,

And then just think it’s quite okay,

To walk away I guess.

And leave as someone else’s chore,

To try and get things right,

People with a servant’s heart,

And will the garbage fight.

But better still if the one,

Who makes the biggest mess,

Stays behind to clean it up,

To me that is the best.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV)

Most believe Paul is speaking of a time when Christian believers will be judged by the Lord. The good or bad we have done as His followers will be evaluated by Him and rewards given. There are other passages that speak of our works being tested by fire and consumed if they are unworthy. (1 Corinthians 3:15) This doesn’t mean we earn our salvation, which is a free gift based upon grace. It does mean that it’s better for us to clean up the messes we make, with God’s help.

Lord, help us take responsibility for what we do, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Ken Steinnerd, used by permission. Thanks, Ken, and God bless you.