Get In The Fight
1
The war is on brother, join in the fight.
How can you wait, when at stake is the right?
Are you afraid? Put the whole armor on.
No need to pray when the banner is gone.
2
We are out-numbered but God’s in command.
He’s not a loser, do you understand?
Battle’s aren’t won when the soldiers retreat,
What you could do, might mean Satan’s defeat.
3
For what you’ve done brother, there’s no respect,
What good are you, if from Truth you defect?
They want somebody today, they can use,
What is your record, from which they can choose?
4
Get in the fight, brother. Give it your best,
You may be wounded, but so may be the rest,
What good’s a soldier, who won’t stand and fight?
Give all you’ve got for the Cause that is right.
O. D. Wilson - deceased
The preceding poem was written many years ago by a faithful gospel preacher, my Father-in-Law, O.D. Wilson. Even then, there were “soldiers of the cross” that were giving up the fight for the cause of Christ. Thank God that there are always some who recognize this problem and warn others of the danger of doing the same. Ever known anyone who has given up? Of course, you say. “Everyone has given up on something haven’t they?” But we’re not talking about giving up bad habits, or giving up on something that can hurt oneself or others. We are not discussing the soldiers that have gone AWOL, or have become deserters in some man’s or country’s Armed forces. Some desert these “armies” because they no longer agree with, or support the cause for which they are to be fighting. Some quit, because they don’t like the “rules and regulations” that hinder them from doing what they want and in the manner in which they desire to do it.
This article, and the poem offered here are speaking of those that “Give Up” on God and the cause for which His Son came to die. Man’s rules and laws are subject to change, but not so with God. Psalm 119:89 shows this to be the case. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Since God’s Word does not change, neither has His promises to those that serve and follow Him. The Spirit had Paul write in Philippians 1:27 to encourage the brethren there to stay in the fight and never give up. One can only do this if they stay in the Word and follow it completely. It will guide their entire life, if they will let it. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Quitting is not an option. We made the commitment to follow and serve God when we were baptized into Christ. That was to be a lifetime commitment! Those who quit have forsaken that commitment. In 1Thessalonians 5:21 we are told: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. We can prove all things (test them) according to the Word of God. This verse also tells the Christian to “hold fast”. To show that to which one is to “hold fast”, the Spirit had Paul write Timothy in 1Timothy 1:13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. These Words were supplied by the Spirit – so, they were the Words of God, delivered by Paul through inspiration.
Getting in the fight is important. One does this upon obedience to the gospel and the Great Commission is where we are told to go and teach others. But staying in the fight is just as important. One will not receive the “prize” unless they remain in the fight. In 2Timothy 4:6-8 we see what the prize is, and what one must do to be a recipient of that prize. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
If you are not a Christian, you’re not in the fight and condemnation awaits. If you are a Christian, don’t quit. Keep serving faithfully. The reward awaits.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
