"Son of the Soil"

Son of the soil and son of the toil,

Of people who worked everyday,

Didn’t think much, of those who were such,

Entitled to take it away.

They thought why not work, and you’d better not shirk,

The chance to go make your own wage,

It was about worth, what they did on this earth,

Before death came to turn their life’s page.

Even Adam and Eve, before they took leave,

Of the garden the Good Lord gave them,

He said to take care of all that was there,

Long before they took their bite of sin.

So it’s not something bad, hard work’s what they had,

And taught it to me as a kid,

Grew up tendin’ cows, and taught me the hows,

Of ranch work, that’s just what they did.

I see the youth, I tell you the truth,

Out there demanding what for,

What’s happened ain’t good, and once more we should,

Teach them to shoulder a chore.

And unless we do, this much is true,

Our greatness is lost, don’t you see,

It’s not based on fate, but not being late,

When there’s work that awaits you and me.

“Those unwilling to work will not get to eat…” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, NLT)

The Scriptures hold hard work in high regard. It is actually considered a sacred trust and an important part of the stewardship of life. Adam and Eve were given the assignment of caring for the garden before the fall, and long before there was any sign of the curse introduced by sin. Work gives us a sense of usefulness, accomplishment, and self-respect. Along with play and worship, it is one of the three legs of a healthy life’s balance. Paul was concerned that the early Christian community would not indulge those who refused to work. Neither should we.

Lord, help us work willingly and thankfully, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Kirstie Lambert, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.