"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." (2 Tim. 2:3-4)

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 flowery beds 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 dark world a friend of grace, to help me unto 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.

(Isaac Watts, 1724)