I Pledge Allegiance to…?

“If it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship…. As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 HCSB).

As Americans, we have been programmed to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I would surmise that few give the words being recited much thought as the pledge has become an object of rote memory. I have problems with the entire concept of what we are pledging our allegiance to.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with the pledge of allegiance; I love America; I am proud to be an American; but the idea of pledging my allegiance over to any nation stands in stark contrast to my obligation as a child of GOD and my personal allegiance to His Kingdom.

In passing by many churches, we see that they too, have relegated their allegiance over to a nation rather than unto GOD. In their attempt to follow proper military protocol, they place the Christian flag under the America flag reflecting their order of allegiance. I don’t know how others may feel about this, but it bothers me greatly.

Should the pledges be recited in most churches, again according to military protocol, the pledge to the American flag comes first indicating once again the most important allegiance. Without even giving it much consideration, the church has bought into the idea that allegiance to our nation stands above our allegiance to GOD as revealed by their actions.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently declared that he is a Christian first and foremost in his life, above any other allegiances. As Christians, we must adopt the principle that GOD is first and foremost in our lives, our churches, our homes, and our families. To pledge allegiance to any other ahead of GOD reveals a deep-rooted problem that must be repented for and turned away from.

I have no problem with the American flag be present everywhere we go; but, the Christian banner must gain priority over it for all believers regardless of what military protocol or even our society may deem as correct. We were called to stand out and stand up for the Kingdom of GOD but we can never do so if we continue to allow the infiltration of worldly ways and thoughts into our lives and midst.