A man may not be a woodsman but this does not mean he cannot swing an axe when necessary. A man may not be a builder but this does not mean he cannot hammer in a few nails when required. A man may not be a cowboy but this does not mean that he would not get on a horse to round up cattle if the occasion arrived. A man may not be a mechanic but this does not mean that he would not try to fix his pick up truck. This list could go on. What I am trying to say is that a lot of practical every day masculine work often requires getting our hands dirty – putting out the garbage, mowing the lawns, fixing the flat tire, cleaning the garage, raking up the leaves etc. I believe it is good therapy for a man to be involved in some of this masculine activity.

As I watched the excellent film, Gods and Generals, I could not help notice how much our warfare has changed since the Civil War. Many of those conscripts and volunteers were farmers, laborers, pen-pushers and city-slickers. However, when the push came to shove, with a little training, these men were willing to pick up a bayonet and rifle and, in the face of almost certain death, march right into the enemy’s firing line.

Times have changed so much that the idea of getting our hands dirty once in a while sounds outdated and old fashioned. The wimp would rather pay somebody else to do his dirty work and in so doing he looses some of his masculine soul as well as lowering his bank balance. He also loses a sense of satisfaction that comes when a grubby job has been accomplished. He feels good inside when he washes that dirt off his hard-working hands.

Our modern culture tries its best to de-masculinise the man. It’s easier to call a breakdown truck to come to the rescue when the car tire needs changing on the side of the road. Why not change that wheel yourself and see how good you feel?

Proverbs 14:4 says, “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.” A lot of work usually means a lot of mess to clean up and yet it is by work we see increase. Hard working hands speak of getting involved, pulling your weight, doing your share and a little bit more than your share.