I Cannot Be Idle

Verse 1

I cannot be idle, for Jesus says, "Go And work in My harvest today; And then at the evening when labor is done, Whatever is right I will pay."

Chorus

Then away to the work I will go And join in the reaping of grain, And back from the harvest with beautiful sheaves I’ll come with rejoicing again.

Verse 2

I cannot be idle, the fields are so white, And numberless sheaves will be lost; They perish for want of more reapers to save— How awful to think of the cost!

Verse 3

I cannot be idle, soon time will be o’er, And reaping be ended for aye; I’ll gather the lost from the byways of sin To walk in the beautiful way.

Verse 4

I cannot be idle, no time for repose, My resting shall be over there, Where all of the faithful in Heaven above A crown of bright glory shall wear.