Steve Green - Answer the Call Lyrics
Lyrics
The spirit of God is calling
Calling to men
Stirring within our hearts a call
To faithfulness again
First to our God
Then in our homes
Faithful in all we are
And with all that we own
Chorus
I answer the call
I take my stand
I choose to live my days on earth
A faithful man
And to that end
I give my all
And in the strength and grace of God
I answer the call
I understand that no man
Can stand on his own
But thanks be to the spirit
We'll never stand alone
Now by His will I choose to be
All that the father said
That His children could be
Chorus
A call to dedicate our lives
To nurture our children and love our wives
A call to guard our hearts and eyes
To press toward the goal -- To win the prize
Chorus (3 times)
Video
Answer The Call
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on January 1, 1994, as part of the album *Where Mercy Begins*, Steve Green's "Answer the Call" stands as a powerful anthem of Christian commitment, echoing a timeless challenge to dedicated living. Green, celebrated for his rich baritone and profound lyrical choices, consistently delivers songs that resonate with the core tenets of faith. This particular composition distills the essence of what it means to live a life consecrated to God, framing it as a direct, ongoing invitation from the divine. The song’s central narrative unfolds as an earnest response to this spiritual summons, portraying a believer's deliberate choice to align their existence with heavenly principles, not through fleeting emotion, but through a steadfast, lifelong pledge.
The opening verses establish the impetus: "The spirit of God is calling, Calling to men, Stirring within our hearts a call to faithfulness again." This immediate invocation of the Holy Spirit's activity suggests an internal, divine prompting that transcends mere human suggestion. It mirrors the scriptural truth that the Spirit guides and teaches believers, drawing them into deeper relationship and obedience, as highlighted in Romans 8:14, where "those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." The call to faithfulness isn't abstract; it's meticulously outlined, beginning with devotion "First to our God," which aligns with the Great Commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38). This primary allegiance then naturally extends "Then in our homes," emphasizing the critical importance of family sanctity and responsibility (Ephesians 5:22-6:4). Finally, it encompasses being "Faithful in all we are, And with all that we own," a comprehensive charge to live consistently and steward all resources—time, talents, possessions—for God's glory, reflecting principles found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:21.
The chorus serves as the unwavering declaration of commitment: "I answer the call, I take my stand, I choose to live my days on earth a faithful man." This isn't a passive agreement but an active, personal choice, reminiscent of Joshua's bold statement, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). It underscores the intentionality required in the faith journey, a daily decision to walk in obedience. Critically, this resolve is not rooted in self-sufficiency but in divine enablement: "And to that end, I give my all, And in the strength and grace of God I answer the call." This acknowledges the human limitation while celebrating the divine power that strengthens believers, a truth beautifully articulated in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The commitment is absolute, "I give my all," but it is only sustainable "in the strength and grace of God," acknowledging the essential role of divine assistance as articulated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Moving deeper, the second verse thoughtfully addresses the universal human condition: "I understand that no man can stand on his own." This humility sets the stage for the resounding affirmation of divine support: "But thanks be to the spirit, We'll never stand alone." This echoes the promise of the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter (John 14:16-17), ensuring that believers are never isolated in their struggles or their pursuit of faithfulness. The verse concludes with a powerful statement of aspiration: "Now by His will I choose to be All that the father said That His children could be." This speaks to realizing one's full spiritual potential and living out the divine purpose for which each believer was created, a purpose outlined in passages like Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
The song’s bridge then expounds on the practical outworkings of this overarching call to faithfulness, providing concrete areas for dedication: "A call to dedicate our lives, To nurture our children and love our wives." This extends the concept of faithfulness beyond personal piety into tangible, relational responsibilities. The dedication of one's life is a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Nurturing children and loving wives are direct commands from Scripture, foundational to a godly home (Ephesians 6:4, Ephesians 5:25). The instruction "A call to guard our hearts and eyes" highlights the need for internal discipline and moral purity, preventing sin at its root, as urged in Proverbs 4:23 to "above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it," and Matthew 5:28 concerning the danger of lustful glances. Finally, "To press toward the goal -- To win the prize" is a vivid metaphor for perseverance in the Christian race, striving for spiritual maturity and the ultimate reward of eternal life, reflecting Paul's exhortation in Philippians 3:14 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. The triple repetition of the chorus amplifies the unwavering resolve and the enduring nature of this commitment, cementing the song's core message as a continuous, Spirit-empowered choice to live a life wholly surrendered and actively faithful. "Answer the Call" thus serves not merely as a song, but as a profound theological meditation and an urgent, encouraging summons for anyone seeking to live out their faith with purpose and integrity.