Standard Bearer

​William Harvey Carney, a former slave, joined the Union Army during the Civil War. During the fierce Battle of Fort Wagner, the color guard fell, leaving the regiment's flag in danger of being lost. Carney seized the colors and pressed forward. Though wounded multiple times, he carried the flag proudly until he returned to his own lines, saying, "Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!"

To be chosen as a bearer of the colors (also called a flag or standard) has long been considered a high honor. In battle, only the most dependable and courageous soldiers were entrusted with this role. The standard bearer lifted the colors high so others could see where to assemble amid the chaos of the battle. The raised standard made clear whose side they were on.

God has given His people the high honor of being His standard bearers. He needs dependable and valiant men and women who will lift high the standard of holiness in their conduct, dress, and speech, so those who are lost can see where to come for salvation. We must resist the enemy's temptation to blend in and look or talk like everyone else. God is calling us to "set up a standard in the land." Like William Carney, can we say that we have lifted up the standard faithfully—never letting it fall?

—Brother Steve Strelecky

"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss" (George Duffield).