It's an OLD song (revived a few years ago by the Promise Keeper movement, I think). Once I get past the "men" and "brotherhood" language, it speaks to me, too. As with much biblical language, I think the intent is meant to be inclusive and universal. This morning, a John Wayne quote on Twitter was what reminded me of this song. "Life's hard. It's even harder when you're stupid", he is said to have said...
So, why did that remind me of this song? Well, sometimes I sing the song THIS way: "Wise up, O men of God!" Here it is in its entirety.
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Morning Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI love that.... Wise up O' men of God!! Fits as perfectly as the Rise Up does............
Love that John Wayne quote.......that is priceless and sooooooooo true!! and sometimes we can make life so much harder than it needs to be with our rebellious stupidity, that is for sure!
Great post hon,
Hope all is well with you. I am still putting the house back together, just about done with 3
rooms, and then 1 to go...........hoping that all happens today!! Will see...........
Have a GREAT day,
Blessings, Nellie
Good words to start my day with!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
I remember days of being stupid...and yes it was harder so glad I wised up with the Lords help :)
ReplyDeleteI STILL have my "days" :)
DeleteHa! That's funny.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's a powerful song. I'd add, "Rise up, women, too!"
Right, Rhonda! "Rise up AND Wise up, women," too.
DeleteThe book of Ephesians is one of my very favorites. I loved this post as it pertains to exactly how I have been trying so hard to live lately. I've had lots of time to reflect about my life and my children. I'm moving slower now and giving things much more thought. It's another stage of life, just trying to make sense of it all!! Love Di ♥
ReplyDeleteWe live; we learn, don't we. At ALL stages of life. You just kind of have to gulp at each stage and (as you say) "try to make sense of it all".
DeleteGood words this morning...yes it is harder when we are stupid! Wise up...good word for me!
ReplyDeleteI speak it to myself just about every day, Janette!
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