Read the Bible

¹ So, pop your dallies on all malcontent behavior. Shuck yourself loose from all deceitful horse tradin', two-faced actions, jealousy, and all manner of negative talk. ² Like a new foal, you must have a desire for the milk that will help you grow and be strong in your new salvation. Don't let nothing get in the way of heavenly nourishment. ³ Soon, you will have a taste for God's love and kindness.

The Rock in the Corner

⁴ You are riding toward Christ, who is the rock in the corner of God's house. He was thrown out by his own people, but chosen by God to do great things and have great honor.

⁵ And you are also living rocks God will use to construct a spiritual sanctuary. Not only that, but each of you cowboys are his holy men spreading his message. Your sacrifice will not be in blood, but in the life you give to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ The Good Book says, "I'm putting a rock in the corner of Jerusalem. He is chosen for a great honor and anyone who rides for him will never be turned away."

⁷ Y'all know what I'm talking about. Y'all who ride for him have seen the glory given to him by God. But for those who turn away from him, the Good Book says, "The rock the builders found unworthy has now become the cornerstone."

⁸ It also says, "He is the rock that knocks them down."

They will get knocked down because they do not do what God says to do. When you don't do what God says and let him save you, you'll get what's coming to ya.

⁹ But y'all ain't like that. No sir! Y'all are God's chosen cowboys. You are holy men, in a holy crew, belonging and riding only for God. This is why we must show others how to ride for him. He's called us out of the brush and into green pastures.

¹⁰ There was a time you didn't know who you were or what you were supposed to do. Now you ride for God because he has shown you great mercy in allowing you to do so.

¹¹ Cowboys, your ride through this world is temporary. You're like an outcast in the world now. Stay away from the things of the world that will entangle you and stick to you like cockleburs. These things can destroy your soul. ¹² Ride properly when you are around unbelievers. If you ride right, then even if they accuse you of something bad, no one will believe them. You'll honor God in this way.

Respect Those in Authority

¹³ If you want to honor the Lord, do what those in authority on earth tell you to do. I don't care if he is a king, a governor, ¹⁴ or an elected official. The king has sent them to dole out punishment on those who do wrong and give a pat on the back to those who do right.

¹⁵ God's plan is to shut up those who are ignorant and make false accusations against you. ¹⁶ You are free, but at the same time you have chosen to ride for God and do whatever he says to do. Don't use your freedom to do bad things. ¹⁷ Show respect to everyone and love others, especially the crew who rides for God. Respect God and respect the king.

Slaves

¹⁸ Y'all slaves must show respect to your earthly masters. Do what they tell you, even if they are unkind. ¹⁹ God smiles when you ride for him and go through unjust treatment. ²⁰ Unjust treatment doesn't include getting whipped for something you did wrong. But if you suffer for doing what is right, God will smile down upon you.

²¹ God has called you to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. That's what Jesus did and you should follow his example.

²² He never sinned one time, nor did he mislead a single soul. ²³ He kept his mouth shut when he was insulted and didn't threaten revenge when he suffered. He left everything up to God, who is always just and judges everyone fairly. ²⁴ Jesus became our sin that was nailed to the cross. We are dead to sin and now can ride for what is right. By his injuries we are healed. ²⁵ You were once like fence-jumping cattle that had run off. But now you have been gathered by the Top Hand, who is the protector of your soul.