The things that have always been important: to be a good man, to
The things that have always been important: to be a good man, to try to live my life the way God would have me, to turn it over to Him that His will might be worked in my life, to do my work without looking back, to give it all I've got, and to take pride in my work as an honest performer.
In the journey of life, the measure of a man is found not in wealth or fame, but in the steadfastness of his virtue and the integrity of his actions. Johnny Cash speaks with enduring clarity when he declares, “The things that have always been important: to be a good man, to try to live my life the way God would have me, to turn it over to Him that His will might be worked in my life…” These words remind us that the foundation of existence lies in alignment with moral and spiritual truth, and in surrendering the self to a higher purpose beyond mortal ambition.
To turn it over to Him is to acknowledge the limits of one’s own control, allowing the guidance of the divine to shape the course of the life. Cash teaches that surrender is not weakness, but wisdom: to act with humility while striving to honor the principles of goodness. The ancients knew this well, for every sage and prophet spoke of the necessity of aligning human effort with divine order, trusting that a life lived in harmony with the sacred carries meaning far beyond earthly reward.
Yet doing my work without looking back and giving it all I’ve got emphasizes the importance of diligence and wholehearted effort. In every task, whether humble or grand, the measure of character is found in the devotion applied and the honesty maintained. Cash’s words reveal that labor, when performed with integrity and focus, is itself a form of worship, a living testament to one’s values and the shaping of the soul.
The principle of taking pride in my work as an honest performer speaks to the dignity of craftsmanship and the honor of authenticity. Across civilizations, the ancients revered those who labored with skill and honesty, understanding that the fruits of effort are not only for the eyes of others but for the conscience of the self. Cash’s reflection carries forward this timeless wisdom: satisfaction is found not in applause alone, but in knowing that one has given all and remained true to principle.
Thus, let this teaching endure: strive to be a good man, align your life with God’s will, labor with unwavering devotion, and take pride in the integrity of your work. In these pursuits lies the path to a life of honor and purpose, where the soul finds fulfillment not in fleeting success, but in the eternal satisfaction of having lived fully, faithfully, and rightly.
TVDao The Viet
Johnny Cash’s words speak to a life of faith, hard work, and pride in one’s efforts. It’s clear he finds meaning in living honestly and with dedication to God’s will. But what if we struggle to feel that connection or purpose in our daily lives? Can a person still find fulfillment and take pride in their work without a deep spiritual connection, or does that essence truly make all the difference?
BNNguyen Binh Nguyen
This quote really resonates with the idea of working with purpose and humility. Johnny Cash seems to emphasize doing your best without seeking external validation. But here’s my question: Is it possible to fully turn your life over to God and not feel uncertain at times, especially when facing challenges in your work or personal life? How do we stay aligned with a higher purpose when life feels uncertain?
HIHuman Immortals
I love the simplicity and depth of Johnny Cash’s words. It’s inspiring to think about living a life of service and pride in one’s work without constantly looking back. But what if, despite our best efforts, we don’t always feel like we’re fulfilling our purpose or doing the work we were meant to do? How do we handle those moments of doubt while still maintaining faith in the process?
NLChi Le nguyen linh
Johnny Cash’s quote is a beautiful reflection on living a life of integrity and dedication. It makes me think about the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and commitment to one’s work. But here’s a question: Do we sometimes place too much pressure on ourselves to be ‘good’ in a spiritual sense? How do you balance striving to live according to a higher power with accepting imperfections in yourself?