"Work"

Quickly, learn to make it quick,

Step up and do the work,

Avoid those who won’t hit a lick,

Whose labor they will shirk.

Don’t rest until you’ve done your part,

For the lazy will not win,

Get after it with all your heart,

Not later, now begin.

Don’t fall prey to entitlement,

They don’t owe you a thing,

Make yourself a bold attempt,

And all your effort bring.

Provide for those who look to you,

To help, feed, and support,

Dependable and always true,

And always hold the fort.

Worse than any infidel,

Is one who won’t provide,

Their laziness will soon foretell,

The downfall of their pride.

The Good Book says it plain as day,

If they don’t work, can’t eat,

And that’s the same that we should say,

To all who are dead-beat.

Not the care of Uncle Sam,

Or even Jesus’ church,

But work your way out of that jam,

You’ll find if you will search.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8, NIV)

Paul says if a person won’t work neither should they eat. He said if one doesn’t provide for their loved ones they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever. These are strong words indeed! But they are particularly needed in an entitlement culture that increasingly expects something for nothing. Adam was assigned work before the fall. It’s part of being fully human and in right relationship with God. We dare not take this lightly. The notion that scripture teaches a strong work ethic is absolutely correct! The Bible is not teaching unhealthy materialism or workaholism. But the Bible does recognize the value and benefit of hard work. We should, too.

Lord, help us work, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mikel Donahue, used by permission. Thanks, Mikel, and God bless you.