Onward Christian What?
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)
I remember standing in church as a small boy, waist-high to the adults and singing my little heart out, when the man next to me hissed “shut up!” I’ve never had much of a singing voice, but I thought it a joyful noise! The hymn?
Was it possible, even at that tender age, I’d caught something of the spirit of the hymn? Did the man really understand the significance of the words, and how many do today?
As Christians, like it or not, we’re in the front line of battle. A spiritual war, that’s not fought in our strength or with guns and tanks. The Devil is out to destroy our relationship with God. So to deny the Devil's existence or be unaware of the battle, is like giving in to the enemy. On the other hand if we are aware what’s going one, the battle's as good as won. Our part is to dwell under the protection and absolute safety of the Most High.
I’ve found that the enemy fights dirty. He attacks when I’m at my weakest and least expecting it. I’m learning to recognise when it’s happening and cling to Jesus and take my stand. There have been times when I’ve felt I would never get through, but even though it often meant blood, sweat and tears, He never let me down.
There’s a life to be lived and fought for, dragons to slay, beauty to be discovered, ... so I refuse to lie down, refuse to be silent. Second verse:
I remember standing in church as a small boy, waist-high to the adults and singing my little heart out, when the man next to me hissed “shut up!” I’ve never had much of a singing voice, but I thought it a joyful noise! The hymn?
“Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war ..!”
Was it possible, even at that tender age, I’d caught something of the spirit of the hymn? Did the man really understand the significance of the words, and how many do today?
As Christians, like it or not, we’re in the front line of battle. A spiritual war, that’s not fought in our strength or with guns and tanks. The Devil is out to destroy our relationship with God. So to deny the Devil's existence or be unaware of the battle, is like giving in to the enemy. On the other hand if we are aware what’s going one, the battle's as good as won. Our part is to dwell under the protection and absolute safety of the Most High.
I’ve found that the enemy fights dirty. He attacks when I’m at my weakest and least expecting it. I’m learning to recognise when it’s happening and cling to Jesus and take my stand. There have been times when I’ve felt I would never get through, but even though it often meant blood, sweat and tears, He never let me down.
There’s a life to be lived and fought for, dragons to slay, beauty to be discovered, ... so I refuse to lie down, refuse to be silent. Second verse:
"At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!"
0 comments :
Post a Comment