Am I a Soldier of the Cross?
by Ralph I. Tilley

The Christian is called to be a valiant soldier for the Lord Jesus Christ. From the moment of conversion onward, the disciple of Christ is engaged in warfare against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. This is no pilgrimage for the faint of heart.

One of the Church's greatest hymn writers was Isaac Watts (1674-1748); he was also a pastor. He once preached a sermon from 1 Corinthians 16:13, a text filled with militant terminology. In that text Paul challenges the Corinthian believers: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." In preparation to preach his sermon, Watts composed a hymn titled "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?"

In the hymn, Watts asks the congregation to seriously consider a series of searching questions. The first question addresses the matter of living as a witness for Christ before a watching world.

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His Name?

The second question addresses the subject of total consecration.

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

The next series of questions consider our response to a hostile world.

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

What was the pastor/hymn writer's answer?

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

In the strength of the Spirit, let every disciple of Christ offer a resounding "Amen!"