Lord I heard the question "What Have I Earned?" today,
as though earning something was significant in some way.

Have I earned an allowance this week,
have I earned the approval for which I seek?

Have I earned respect from another this day,
as though that makes me important in some way?

I've thought it over and there are things I'd like to earn too,
I like to earn more souls coming home to you.

I'd like to earn people's trust in what I have to say,
so they no longer wish to go astray.

I'd like to earn the attention they now spend on sin,
telling them you are knocking and want to come in.

I'd like to earn the right to be heard as I speak,
teaching others there's truth if only they'll seek.

I'd like to earn enough money to feed those who hunger and thirst,
but of course I'd pay my tithe and offerings first.

I'd like to earn a reputation of Honor and Glory,
for sharing with others your salvation story.

Then I could gratefully hand it all over to you,
surrendering what is of course your just due.

Instead what I have earned is death and eternal loss,
but what I will have was paid for at great cost.

If what I have earned is what were being given to me,
eternal life I would never be allowed to see.

If what I have earned were not wiped out by my Savior,
I'd burn in Hell for my sinful behavior.

Thank You Father that what we have earned need not be,
salvation is offered to all men from Thee!