I Pledge Allegiance...

All across America today, men, women, and children will stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. They will sing “America, the Beautiful” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” They will celebrate their heritage as Americans, offer thanks to the brave men and women who died for their freedom, and enjoy picnics on the lawn as the fireworks light up the night sky. July 4th, Independence Day in the United States, is a fun holiday. And yet, as we salute the flag and pray “God Bless America,” I wonder if we are have perhaps gotten our allegiances confused.

The root of the word Allegiance is lord. To pledge allegiance means to commit one’s complete loyalty to a nation, a sovereign, or a cause. I will not stand and pledge my allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, today nor any other day; My loyalty, my allegiance, belongs, not to a country, not to a human president, not to a flag nor an ideal, but to a King and a Kingdom.

Don’t get me wrong - I love my country. I am incredibly grateful for the heritage that is mine as an American. I am blessed to have been born in a country that was founded on Biblical morals by God-fearing, if not Christ-following, men. The laws of my country allow me to worship in freedom. They allow me a great many privileges, freedoms, and advantages only ever dreamed about by individuals with different nationalities. I am thankful today to be an American.

But patriotism is not next to godliness. Our identity should be first and foremost that of Christ-follower, not American. Flags have no place in our churches. When we come together with other Christ-followers, it is under HIS banner, in HIS name. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.” Jesus set a precedent for honoring our leaders - He encouraged us to do our civic duty. Peter said to obey those in authority over us, and to pray for our government. But Jesus also said, “Give to God what is God’s.” My loyalty, my faith, my commitment, my allegiance belong to God and God alone. My identity is found in Christ alone. And my home? It is not America - I may or may not reside there, but I am a “stranger and a pilgrim” and I “seek a continuing city.”

So today, as I cook a July 4th meal for my international and American friends, I give thanks for the privilege of being an American, and I pray for my government. And I pledge allegiance.

Not to a flag. Not to America. But to a King and his Kingdom.

Now the years have come and the years have gone

But the cause of Jesus still goes on

And now our time has come to count the cost

To reject this world, to embrace the cross

And one by one let us live our lives

For the One who died to give us life

Till the trumpet sounds on the final day

Let us proudly stand and boldly say

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

With all my strength

With all I am

I will seek to honor His commands

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb