Perceptions #200142

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE"

by Dr. Eddie Randolph

In the wake of September 11, flag waving has become a national pastime. The demand for American flags is so great that stores have found it difficult to keep them in stock. The upsurge in patriotism in the wake of the terrorist attacks, while to be expected, is still thrilling to witness. I remember the first time I said the "Pledge of Allegiance" post-September 11. There was a deep sense of pride and defiance. I doubt that I am much different than any of you in this respect.

In spite of deep patriotic emotions, we are still called to the fact that our primary allegiance is to God. It is because of our discipleship that we are to be good citizens (cf. Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-15; 1 Tim. 2:1-4). None of these texts call on us to be patriotic for patriotism's sake. Rather each passage is set in a context of social pressure and local persecution against Christians and focus on submission and prayer so that the message of Christ may be extended.

Consider the Yale Law Professor Stephen L. Carter's openly stated biases when it comes to faith and patriotism.

I write not only as a Christian but as one who is far more devoted to the survival of my faith. . .than to the survival of any state in particular; including the United States of America. I love this nation, with all its weaknesses and occasional horrors, and I cannot imagine living in another one. But my mind is not so clouded with the vapor of patriotism that I place my country before God. If the country were to force me to a choice - and increasingly, this nation tends to do that to many religious people - I would unhesitatingly, if not without some sadness for my country, choose my God.
[God's Name in Vain (New York: Basic, 2000), p. 3].

As members of the human race, we have a broad range of important allegiances: family, friends, career, and local and national concerns, etc. As believers in Jesus Christ, these allegiances are still valid and even take on a richer and deeper purpose. This deepening purpose is because our primary allegiance is to God who saves us through Jesus Christ and dwells within us by His Spirit.

Jesus said, ". . . seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Mt. 6:33).

We pledge allegiance to God first. When we do, everything else falls into place.

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