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I want to talk to you about a four-letter dirty word. Yep, I want to talk to you about W-O-R-K! The word "work", has somehow slipped away from our everyday lexicon of honor to somehow become a word that many find offensive. Why? The word "work" (along with so many other words) has become politically incorrect. When a word is deemed politically incorrect, it is necessary to replace that word with something more acceptable. In this case, the politically correct word for work would be "entitled". In todays highly charged, politically correct atmosphere, to work is not only distasteful to many, but it is quickly becoming an outdated concept. When it comes to political correctness, whether or not a person is able and/or willing to work is meaningless. Why? I'll answer that with another question. Why work when everyone is entitled? I'm just saying...
According to the dictionary, the word "entitled" means to believe oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. Here's the rub concerning entitlement. God doesn't subscribe to the politically correct theory of entitlement! In fact, the word "work" is referenced at least 793 times in scripture according to one internet source. And not one of these references views work as a negative or dirty word. In fact, it is just the opposite. The biblical implication is that work is a gift from God. When we work, and especially when we do it with all our heart and soul, we partner with God in establishing His purpose in our life.
For example, in Colossians 3: 23, we're told that whatever we do, we should "work at it" with all our heart. In Psalm 90: 17, we're told that God will establish the work of our hands. According to Genesis 2: 15, not only did God put Adam in a beautiful garden, but He did it with intention. He intended for Adam to work it and take care of it. And who can forget what 2 Thessalonians 3: 10 says? It simply says that if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. It stands to reason that in spite of the politically correct world in which we live, the gnawing insistent pain of an empty stomach is probably one of mankind's greatest incentives to work. However, work is more than a means to an end. Work can provide us with a sense of achievement and dignity, as well.
EVEN A HORSE
NEEDS A JOB
"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
(Proverbs 14: 23)
Every horse needs a job. A job gives a horse specific purpose and a sense of achievement and dignity. Having a job also gives a horse a skill-set that increases his value as a partner. Having a job also teaches the horse to use the thinking side of his brain!
Before we go any deeper, let's talk a bit about horses and work. Some of the most disrespectful and lazy horses I've ever met are those who don't have a job to do. I'm of the opinion that every horse needs a job. A job gives a horse not only a specific purpose and a sense of achievement and dignity, but it also gives him a skill-set that inherently increases his value as a partner. Having a job also teaches the horse how to use the thinking side of his brain. A horse has less time to use the reactive side of his brain when he's having to use the thinking side of his brain in order to get a job done.
Let's be real here, when a horse doesn't have a job, it certainly isn't his fault. So, who's fault is it? It's the fault of the owner who either doesn't have the time, the want-to, or the know-how to teach or train their horse a valuable job or skill-set. While a horse is a herd animal who is certainly content to graze away the hours endlessly, every horse can benefit from having a job to do. And why is having a job so important for a horse? Just as it is for people, with work comes a sense of self-worth. It's not preposterous or an over-stretch to think that animals can feel a sense of self-worth and accomplishment through what they've learned, and yes, even a sense of dignity. Let's look at the dictionary definition of dignity...
DEFINITION OF DIGNITY
A way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control. The quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
Whether we're talking about a well-trained trail horse who has learned to safely navigate dangerous terrain, a show horse who has learned how to successfully compete, a seasoned ranch horse pulling calves, or even a pony that has learned to pack the kids safely around all day - all of these incredible animals have been taught a job that requires seriousness and self-control. These horses, and many others, work hard and honestly, and are dignified by the work they do. As a result, they deserve our honor and respect.
If you're blessed to own a horse, I would encourage you to give your horse a job to do. No job is too small or insignificant, and with a little creativity on your part, most jobs can be great fun! Even if it's just riding down to the end of the dirt road to get the mail out of the box each day, do it faithfully, and make riding down to that mailbox your horse's job. If that's not practical, or you don't ride, no problem. Find something specific that you can teach your horse to do each day, or at least several times a week. Make that his job, and commit to it. You will be amazed at how your partnership will begin to grow!
Remember, as with most things, repetition is your friend and the best teacher. And the good news is, it isn't necessary for you to ride in order to give your horse a job or teach him to have a great work ethic. For those of you who don't ride, but love to spend time with your four-legged friend, one of the best ways to "work" your horse is through groundwork. By committing to daily or weekly groundwork sessions (these can be as short as 10 minutes or more than an hour in duration), your horse gains valuable skills. Through groundwork, you can teach your horse to yield his forequarters and hindquarters, side-pass, back-up, do tricks, and so much more. Be committed, consistent, and think outside the box when you're ground-working your horse, and soon you will have gained a partner who has learned not only how to use the thinking side of his brain, but how to enjoy the value of honest work.
Train Them To Work
and
THEY WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY
"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense."
(Proverbs 12: 11, ESV)
Charley Daniels once sang, "a country boy can survive". No great mystery here. Most kids who grow up in the country learn how to work at an early age (oftentimes by necessity).
I love all kids, but I especially love country kids. Most of them still know how to build a fort in the woods out of sticks and mud, and most of 'em know how to shoot a gun or a rifle. Sorry, no political correctness here. If a country kid is fortunate enough to have a pony or a horse, they quickly learn how to ride and pay for the privilege by mucking stalls. Best of all, their dog is usually their best friend (as opposed to strangers on social media). If they've had a good-upbringing, they still look you in the eye (as opposed to looking at their smartphone), and most are still taught to say, "Yes, Ma'am, Yes, Sir, and Thank-you", rather than risk a hiney whoopin' for being disrespectful! The best thing is, when country kids grow up, they often have a sense of dignity and self-worth that money can't buy. Why? They've been taught the value of hard work, learned how to make just about anything out of nothing, and most times they aren't afraid to break a sweat! And that, my friend, is a gift that no entitlement program can give a kid!
Having said that, there's a scripture in the Bible that says we (parents, implied) should train up our children in the way they should go, and when they're old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22: 6). Oftentimes, we read that scripture and think about a lot of stuff that we'd like to train our kids how to do, and sometimes we forget to train our children how to work. Perhaps that's why so many adult children show back up on their parents doorstep after moving out! With all the numerous and far too often worthless pursuits that some kids (and some adults) chase after these days, is it any wonder that many are still not sure what they want to do with their life? Don't believe me? Just ask them. Hey, don't shoot me. I'm just the messenger!
Speaking of the message, the message is this - work is important, whether you're young or old. Of course, that's easy for me to say. After all these years, I'm still a full-fledged member of workaholics anonymous. Thankfully, God thinks work is important, too. In fact, the very first thing God did after He created Adam was put him to work in the garden. So, time to roll up those sleeves and get to work. Better yet, lock your kid's smartphone up for a week or so, and hand them a rake or shovel and teach them to work. Remember, work is an honorable thing, and it is a gift. Still not fully convinced? Perhaps it will help if you just imagine how sweet life will be one day when the kids are all grown up, moved out, and successfully working for a living (maybe even contributing to your retirement plan)! Now, don't you feel better? So, go ahead now, be brave and confident, even change the lock on the door. Turns out that work really isn't a dirty word, after all. So much for the message. I'm just saying...!
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