04/10/2026
Something Good!, Episode 2
"Celebrating and Elevating Hard Work"
Here's a short video where I want to emphasize and celebrate hard work. Using our God-given abilities and creativity are something to encourage and live out.
Mike Rowe is a great advocate of hard work and the trades. Here's his S.W.E.A.T. pledge that is conducive to a great attitude and success in life.
https://www.mndhs.org/sweat/
God gave us work to do before our rebellion and sin entered the world. God is a worker; he made all that we see and He made us!
“THE S.W.E.A.T. PLEDGE”
(Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo)
I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful.
I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing.
I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up to me to make the best of them.
I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.
I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford.
I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger.
I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is.
I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy.
I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free.
I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.
I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.
I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.
On my honor, I hereby affirm the above statements to be an accurate summation of my personal worldview. I promise to live by them.
Genesis 2, ESV:
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat[e] of it you shall surely die.”
