ATTITUDES

There seems to be an attitude of quietness and ease.

   The Christian life should always be a lifestyle that will please.

I’m not sure where it came from. It isn’t in God’s Word.

   Perhaps it’s just a statement of something that’s preferred.

No person’s keen on suffering or ever feeling sore.

   A journey that’s in luxury would suit us somewhat more.

But not even a monarch can let things all roll by.

   There’s so much more we all must learn before its time to die.

I’ve never been a soldier. I praise the Lord for that.

   But discipline is something we should all be aiming at.

The sergeant will not tolerate a soldier who’s asleep.

   If he can get his hands on him, he’ll make the soldier weep.

So why do Christians contemplate a feather-bedded life?

   Why do we all seek idleness instead of sweat and strife?

If you can give the answer then kindly tell to me,

   Exactly what we have to do with downright lethargy?

There aught to be a special place where Christians can go;

   To find what is reality and what is outward show.

The sort of place where people can really come to grips

  With life. It’s made living and not marijuana trips.

We have to learn that suffering’s as much a part of life,

   As marrying your sweetheart, your husband or your wife.

It’s often not the devil who’s sitting on your tail,

   Its things that we are doing that cause us all to fail.

But blaming other people is what we much prefer.

   And we can wear that helpless look each time that they occur.

Why should we be in battle when things get rather rough?

   It’s easier to bellyache that life is far too tough.

That’s not the way of Jesus. It’s not our way of war.

   It’s standing up to Satan whatever is in store.

It isn’t only comfort that each of us must face,

   But standing up to everything that harms the human race.

It’s asking God to strengthen you when everything goes wrong,

   And in the face of failure, to sing the victory song.

It’s looking after others when pressed beyond your power,

   Knowing that the Lord will do what’s needed every hour.

It’s facing up to failure; knowing He will do

   Everything that’s needed, to make your dream come true.

It’s back to the beginning in spite of all you know,

   Knowing that the Saviour will show you how to go.

It’s giving up ambition and every human goal,

   Knowing that the Lord desires to save your sinful soul.

Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 31 July 2011