I watched John Wayne’s “McLintock!” for the first time last night, and I finally understand why fans like the movie so much. There was an exchange of dialog, near the beginning, that really caught my attention, because it perfectly illustrates one of today’s troubles in America.

A young Okie named Devlin asks for a job, but he ends up insulting McClintock, who offers him a job anyway. Here is the exchange:

Devlin Warren: I don’t know what to say. Never begged before. Turned my stomach. I suppose I should have been grateful that you gave me the job.

McLintock: Gave? Boy, you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t give jobs I hire men.

Drago: You intend to give this man a full day’s work, don’t cha?

Devlin: You mean you’re still hirin’ me? Well, yes, sir, I certainly deliver a fair day’s work.

McLintock: And for that I’ll pay you a fair day’s wage. You won’t give me anything and I won’t give you anything. We both hold up our heads…”

One of the many things we have lost in America is the concept of the essential good of hard work. We are owed nothing in life. Instead, we are compensated for our time and our effort as both employer and employee agree (Matthew 20:13-14). From this work and pay we are supplied with all that we need (Eph. 4:28). Nowadays, people want to be given everything for free.

Few people believe one’s work ought to be for the Lord, first (Colossians 3:23). A day’s work for a day’s pay is no longer the standard for living. Some people will work only after they feel they have been guaranteed enough “perks.” Most people want to be treated “fairly,” but the definition some people have of fairness means they believe they should be made to feel special and valued by gifts and concessions. They want regular pats on the back, the groveling gratitude of the boss, breaks every few minutes, incentive bonuses, gold stars, their picture on the “employee of the month” wall, and unreasonably high wages. Then, they will work only as much as they think necessary, and will probably complain loudly that the work is beneath them, or that they aren’t being paid enough to do it.

All of this is merely a symptom of the real problem. What really ails us is that people do not fear God. It was God who said a man should eat his bread in the sweat of his face (Genesis 3:19).

Believers work hard because God said it is right to do so. It is all part of being a disciple.

- West Columbia Bulletin, West Columbia, TX