It was around the first of this year that a familiar phrase, these are the times that try men’s souls, kept coming across my screen. This was also the time that I began to notice that the growing civil unrest, domestic economic concerns and the war in Ukraine were taking increased prominence in the public square and in our national conscience. Then when the horrific events unfolded in Israel on October 7, I was impressed to review some of the very significant history surrounding this powerful phrase.
Under General Washington, the Continental Army had been defeated at the Battle of White Plains on October 28, 1776, and was then driven out of New York. The army was then pursued by the British across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. By late December, the army had dwindled from 20,000 men to less than half that. In addition, 6000 were planning on leaving at the end of the year when their six-month enlistment “was up”. The reality was this—America was “almost up” at just six months of age!
The General knew the magnitude and gravity of the hour, as well as his limited options, as he viewed the condition of his demoralized, cold, hungry and ill-equipped troops. On December 23, Washington formed his bedraggled Americans into ranks for the specific purpose of having them listen to the stirring words of The Crisis by Thomas Paine. Washington had recently read the document and was greatly inspired by its message. For a moment, try to envision yourself standing there, cold and hungry, and what thoughts you might be having as the General approached.
To frame the situation here are some comments from The National Center for Constitutional Studies: “It usually takes more than mere words to arouse and inspire beaten soldiers, but the lines of Thomas Paine somehow had their impact on Washington’s shivering, hungry, threadbare patriots. A sense of renewed commitment and sacred mission returned to their souls. Two nights later, in an 11-hour period, 2400 men, horses, and canon crossed the ice-laden Delaware in about 20 Durham Boats. The weather was so cold that two of them froze to death. Nevertheless, after a 4-hour march, they caught the German mercenaries completely off guard in a groggy hangover the morning after Christmas day. In a brilliant flourish of organized fury, Washington captured the whole contingent of about thousand Hessians without a single American being killed. Two patriots were wounded, including James Monroe, who later became President of the United States.”
Here are the first 113 words of Thomas Paine’s The Crisis…please read them slowly.
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”
Sometimes, surrounded by all our “stuff”, we forget where we came from…we forget who we are…we forget what is in our DNA as Christians and as Americans. This fledgling and recently defeated army decided to re-enlist, largely based upon the impact of Thomas Paine’s words. One year later the army marched into Valley Forge about 12,000 strong. General Washington would address them in a General Order the following May 2: “While we are zealously performing the duties of good Citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of Religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian.” You should pause a moment and reflect on these words. As we now know, they marched out of Valley Forge and into their destiny, fully resolved to “conquer tyranny” and attain liberty whatever the cost.
In this current crisis it is now our turn, as Christ followers, to reject the label of “summer soldier and sunshine patriot” in the spiritual warfare realm. It is now our turn to prepare “to cross our Delaware” for that is where the enemy is encamped. This is our hour to take our stand, knowing that conquering hell is not easy, however, remembering that Jesus conquered hell…for us.
The “sting of battle” is a bit different than reading about the sting of battle. General Patton said, “the sting of battle develops the soul of a fighting man”. I can testify to that truth in the natural realm…I believe it also true in the spiritual realm. Doing hard things is a bit different that reading about “doing hard things”. We must all realize that there is no glorious triumph to be experienced from gazing into our many electronic devices. This would be living in the comfort zone and we must learn to be comfortable…being uncomfortable.
We must ask ourselves, “what is dear to us…our Faith, our family, our relationships?” As Tom Paine reminds us, “it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” Our old pal, Von Clausewitz said it like this: “It is the value of the objective that determines the amount of sacrifice in terms of magnitude and duration.” Jesus implicitly relieved us of the burden of our many religious traditions in Matthew 10:38-39 as He summarized explicitly in verse 38: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
In the days and weeks ahead, many “doors of opportunity” will be opened to men who are Christ followers to take a stand. I am reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 16:9 where Paul writes, “a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” A few verses later in 13 he writes, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (NIV) This is guidance for Kingdom Builders.
As we write the history of our response in this crisis…in this opportunity…may we acquit ourselves well in honor and with humility. In recent days I have found General Washington’s Prayer from his War Journal to be both an inspirational and instructional way to begin my day: “Direct my thoughts, my words, and my work. Wash away my sin in the immaculate blood of The Lamb. Purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit and daily mold me more and more into the image of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ. AMEN!” I believe such prayer was directing General Washington’s thoughts, words, and work 247 years ago. Perhaps it can serve us in 2023.
Barney Barnes, Warrior Spirit Ministries, 11-06-2023