Old Soldier

Old soldier, have you left your post?
The place for which you fought?
The cross was once your only boast
And held you to the spot.

Not words of men, not wealth, not fame
Could move you from the place,
Where planted firm in Jesus’ name,
You preached transforming grace.

You stood for Christ, your faith was strong,
His Word, your guide and stay.
Are lies now stringing you along
And turning you away?

Is Christ still center, heart, and core
Of every breath you take?
Or do you trust your feelings more
Than words your Savior spake?

He was your Shepherd. Is He still?
Does He still guide your soul?
You know about His ways and will,
But does He have control?

Unchanging grace to every man
Calls, soldier, out to you:
Come back to your first love again,
And to your first works, too.

Come back, old soldier, to your post–
It hasn’t moved at all.
The One whose cross was once your boast
Has not revoked His call.

Nita Brainard