Lyrics
He showed me all the merchandise
And he handed me the key
And he told me I could mind the store
Because he trusted me
There will be lots of overtime
And so little time for rest
I promised him I'd work real hard
And do my very best
To keep my threshold open
And help everyone across
'Cause he who gives more than receives
Will never take a loss
Keep the owners image
Of forgiveness on display
He wouldn't want it any other way
Beware the super salesman
With temptation never ending
Though the night of offers
That one cannot refuse
The burden is on my shoulders
To make the right decisions
Of what I gain and what I lose
And what the owner would do
Be long on understanding
Never shortchange your friends
Try to burn the candle
Of kindness at both ends
Keep love for one for one another
Piled high upon the rack
'Cause the owner of the store is coming back
Beware the super salesman
With temptation never ending
Though the night of offers
That one cannot refuse
The burden is on my shoulders
To make the right decisions
Of what I gain and what I lose
And what the owner would do
Be careful not to closeout
The account book is overdue
'Cause I'm sure if I look real close
My name is in there too
Keep greed out of the picture
And keep goodness in the black
'Cause the owner of the store is coming back
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The song presents Christian discipleship through the image of a trusted worker tending a store for its absent owner. Merchandise, accounts, and daily decisions become pictures of stewardship, while forgiveness, generosity, kindness, and understanding are treated as goods that should remain visible and plentiful. The warning about a persuasive salesman gives temptation a concrete role, and the repeated concern for gain and loss places moral choices under the owner’s authority.
Its closing expectation that the owner will return gives the metaphor an accountable, hopeful direction. The lyrics echo Jesus’ teaching about faithful servants who remain ready for their master, and they also reflect the call to give freely rather than serve greed. The account book imagery adds sober self-examination without replacing the song’s emphasis on mercy. Overall, the piece describes faithfulness as active care for other people, wise resistance to temptation, and readiness to answer to God.
Related Scripture
- Luke 12:42-43 Jesus describes a faithful manager who remains ready for his master.
- Acts 20:35 Paul recalls that it is more blessed to give than to receive.