From Strength To Strength

Many hymns use military imagery to talk about how we follow Christ or win over evil. But, Jesus in no way would have us attempt to bring about his kingdom by force. His armor (as described in Ephesians 6:10-18) is always conditioned - it is the breastplate of righteousness, shodding your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This song reminds us that even if we use images of war in our hymns they should always be helping us to move from our own forms of strength (military violence) to Jesus' form of strength - which is love.