Lyrics
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?
Must I be carried to the skies
On a flowery bed of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
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?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye.
When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Isaac Watts
Following Jesus is a deeply rewarding journey, but it is not a call to comfortable ease. Isaac Watts’ classic hymn gently prompts us to examine our conviction: are we prepared to stand courageously for Christ, unashamed of His name? True faith invites us to step beyond comfort and take up our cross daily with grace and hope. Today, let His enduring strength empower you to walk faithfully through every trial.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- 2 Timothy 2:3: “You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
- Matthew 10:32: “Everyone therefore who publicly acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.”
- Luke 9:23: “He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”