I am sure my boys remember their chore lists, especially the summer chore list which always included this item: "Weed a row." If they were going to eat out of the garden, they needed to share in the work, even if that was probably their least favorite chore on the list. Most of their chores were like that—things that the family actually needed in order to survive, like helping their Dad haul wood, because we heated our home with wood, as well as working in a garden that kept our grocery bill down, and mowing about a half acre with a push mower. I do hope they remember that one of the chores was "Play a game with Mom."
Chore lists can be very good things. They teach a child responsibility. They teach him that he is part of a team—his family—and he must do his part just like his parents do. They also teach him the things he will need to be able to do for himself and his own family in the future. We hope they also teach him appreciation and gratitude for all the things that have been done for him when he sees how much trouble they are to do himself.
Some people view the Bible as a chore list. They faithfully check off what they have done and what they have not done. …God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get (Luke 18:11-12). You know how you can tell? These are the people who, when things go wrong in their lives, shake their fists at God and say, "How can you let this happen after all I've done for you?"
God does not give His children chore lists. He simply says, "Love me with everything you have within you." And the one who truly understands doesn't need a chore list to do so.
Even so you also, when you shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do (Luke 17:10).
Dene Ward