Marching On
By Caron Cline
Burke County
The month of March contains several noteworthy holidays and events, but the word ‘march’ always reminds me of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, especially the line: ‘His truth is marching on’. This powerful song was written about 7 months into the Civil War. Julia Ward Howell was a well-known poet and while visiting Washington, DC, heard Union troops singing a popular marching song called ‘John Brown’s Body’. Howell was challenged by a local minister to compose new words for the tune and by early the next morning, the words had come quickly and seemingly, supernaturally.
Howell testified that she realized something of importance had happened. She sold the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic to Atlantic Monthly for a mere $5.00. The words paint a portrait of a powerful God Whose truth is always marching on despite the deception of mankind. However, His truth must be carried forward by individuals willing to take a risk for the cause of Christ.
The Civil War brought a division in this nation like none other, a division that even turned brother against brother. Why? Basically, people focused on their own opinions, beliefs, and understanding rather than on God’s truth. As Romans 3:4 states: “Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: ‘So that You (God) may be proved right when You speak and prevail when You judge’”.
The United States of America was a nation that stood on truth, as defined by the Word of God. The formation, growth, and protection of our country are nothing short of miraculous. For most of our history, Judeo-Christian values were the nation’s foundation. Unfortunately, the last 50-plus years have seen a decline in those long-held truths among our citizens. Relative truth has replaced absolute truth, and God’s word reveals that ‘doing what is right in our own eyes’ will result in oppression and calamity.
America stands in dire need of a revival of God’s truth, carried and distributed through grace and love, by God’s people. Psalm 68 declares that God is sovereign over anything and everything attempting to destroy our nation. When He arises, His enemies will scatter and will soon perish, but the righteous who march with Him will be glad and sing praises to His Name. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to be faithful soldiers who resist becoming entangled with civilian affairs. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, therefore, we must march forward with the good news of God’s grace. The power of the gospel will transform individuals, which, in turn, will transform nations. Addiction, poverty, terrorism, immigration issues, etc. will be defeated as God’s truth marches on.
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Caron is a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. She loves to teach the word of God.
Her desire is to see every believer grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
You can read more Christian News from Caron HERE.
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