"Jump and Go"

Jump and go and don’t be slow,

My Dad would say to me,

There’s work to do and get right to,

It’s can till can’t you see.

And I got tired and rest desired,

‘Cause he could outwork me,

But pushed on through with all our crew,

Dad showed how it should be.

I look back now and see somehow,

All those cattle-workin’ days,

Taught me a lot and what I got,

Has served me well always.

Not just to be a cowboy, see,

But one who will not shirk,

What must be done, postpone the fun,

Don’t be afraid to work.

If a dude won’t provide, but tries to hide,

And makes some old excuse,

A man like that, is a real pole-cat,

It’s simple to deduce.

Get off your can and be a man,

To do what must be done,

God will bless, out-work the rest,

And get the battle won.

Those who sit, find ways to quit,

Will never get ahead,

But jump and go, and you will know,

That you are Spirit-led.

Sow and reap, the promise keep,

God will favor what you do,

But sluggards lose, because they choose,

To rest before they’re through.

“But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” (1 Timothy 5:8, NLT)

Providing for the needs of our family members is something God takes seriously. Every situation has its unique characteristics, but it is the responsibility of every man to work to supply the material needs of his spouse and children. And God does not like it when they don’t. In fact there are multiple verses that warn against laziness and irresponsibility, but none stronger than this one. Let us encourage our men to step up and work. They will be blessed if they do.

Lord, teach us to work, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Owen, cowhorsegallery.com, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless.