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¹ If you truly have a new life in Christ, set your thoughts on him, not rules about yourself. Jesus is riding at the right hand of God. He has offered you a place in his work, but you'll never accomplish anything by beating yourself up with rules you can never follow. ² By obeying a false code, you attempt to bring glory to yourself. By obeying Jesus, you bring glory to him. ³ You died to the past, but new life is found in the present, and the presence of God. ⁴ When Christ is revealed through you, you will share in his glory.

⁵ Ride off from all the things you used to ride for—sexual nastiness, corruption and desecration, lustful thoughts, and greed, which makes money and possessions your god. ⁶ These are the things God will destroy. Don't be one who is destroyed along with them. Make no mistake, God is coming and the things of this world will be destroyed along with all who partake in it. ⁷ These used to be your way of life, but you have a new life now. ⁸ Other things that will get you bucked off into the eternal fire are anger, rage, malice, talking crap about your neighbor, and other filthy things that come out of your mouth. ⁹ Quit lying to each other. You're not that person anymore. You are a brand-new cowboy with a new ride and purpose in life. ¹⁰ Ride in this new life and be remade in his will and way. ¹¹ In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are papered or grade, slave or free, barbaric or civilized. Jesus is all that matters and the quicker you learn that, the quicker you learn his ways.

¹² Since you've been chosen by God to ride for Him, clothe yourselves with love for one another, patience, nice words and deeds, not thinking too mightily of yourself, and not jerking on the reins of anything or anyone. ¹³ Give each other a break, no matter the word or deed. Since God has given you a break for the things you've done, do the same for others. ¹⁴ The most important thing to remember is to ride in love. It is the cinch that holds us all in the saddle. When we're all cinched down tight in love, we will be able to stay in the saddle and accomplish the task set before us. ¹⁵ Let the peace that comes from God guide your ride. All of God's cowboys are called to live in peace and always be thankful.

¹⁶ The message of Jesus should rule your lives. Mentor each other with the wisdom he gives. Let your life be the song in which you praise God with grateful hearts. ¹⁷ Whether you're in town getting supplies or out on the ranch gathering strays, remember that you represent the brand in everything you say and do. Let all your life be a way of giving thanks to God.

The Cowboy Way for Christian Homes

¹⁸ Ladies, show respect for your husbands and submit to him out of your love for the Lord.

¹⁹ Guys, love your wives and don't be mean to them. This is your way of submitting to them.

²⁰ Kids, do what your mommas and daddies tell you to. This is what makes God happy.

²¹ Dads, don't be bullies toward your kids or they'll end up hating you.

²² Day hands, do everything the wagon boss tells you to do. Do the right thing whether or not they're watching you. Make a good impression in all you do, not for them, but out of your respect for God. ²³ Whatever you do, ride with all your heart, riding for the Lord, and not for men. ²⁴ Your reward for integrity isn't waiting in a promotion or a paycheck, but in heaven as an inheritance of peace and prosperity for eternity. No matter where you are or what you are doing, remember that you ride for the Lord. ²⁵ A day hand who doesn't check the corners in a gathering will be held responsible—for God sees all. Riding for the Lord isn't an excuse to do poor work. You are held to a higher standard because you are a top hand.