Our culture is quick to slap labels on people. One of the most recent is “Christian Nationalist.” It is used by some as an insult, but as I look at the definition of each word I’m proud to say, “I guess that’s me!” I’m a follower of Jesus Christ and I am a patriotic American. So slap a label on me if you must. I’ll wear it proudly as I praise God for preserving our country against enemies domestic and foreign and celebrate Independence Day on July 4th!
Most of us can remember beginning each school day standing by our desks with our hands over our hearts and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. We stood a bit taller the first day of school in our plaid dresses and stiff jeans as we recited those well-revered words.
Patriots among us still watch for opportunities to stand and say the pledge, even as we sadly see those opportunities dwindle. First there was an effort to remove the words “under God” from the pledge, then fewer and fewer schools kept the reciting of the pledge as a part of each school day. Yet those words forever in our hearts still sound out every U.S. citizen’s allegiance to his or her country.
It’s said if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. What we need to remember, however, even in our later years, is that it makes a big difference for what we choose to stand. We need to choose our loyalties carefully, and then put our hearts and souls into defending those choices till the end of our days.
Our allegiance to our Lord God can co-exist quiet convivially with our allegiance to our country. But we must never forget which allegiance is greater—which allegiance carries with it an eternal citizenship and the guarantee that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6). That’s our loyalty and allegiance to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Yes, it’s important for us to pledge allegiance to our country, and never take her freedoms and benefits for granted. But even more important is our allegiance to the God under whom our country was created. As a common slogan says, we “stand for the flag and kneel for the cross.” Our true allegiance, our undying loyalty once we are believers in Him and His Son Jesus Christ, must be always and only to the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. To Him we pledge our allegiance. After all, our true citizenship is in heaven.
It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.
–George Washington
I love this, Nancy! My son is in his 23rd year of active-duty service in the US Navy, so I am a proud American mother who believes in allegiance to our great country. I stood by my desk every morning at Chilhowee Elementary, with hand over heart, to say the pledge–it was a solemn moment. And so it is today, when I stand in Neyland Stadium to sing The Star Spangled Banner, and it often brings tears. But I know full well that my true citizenship is in heaven, and I look forward with great anticipation to the day when all the fullness of that citizenship will be realized! I can only imagine!
(I am Sophia Buffat’s granddaughter, one of the last few “wearers of the veil.”
Yes, Cherie! I know who you are and it’s so good to hear from you. Please thank your son for me. You have every reason to be proud of him! God bless.
America America, God shed His grace on you, and crown that good with brotherhood from Sea to shining sea!
Thank you for your patriotism❤️
And thank you for yours, Jimmie. So much to celebrate this 4th!
Couldn’t agree more, I’m right there with you. Me too!!! And I did have a home-made by my mom, plaid dress on that first day of first grade saying the pledge in Mrs. Johnson’s room – so proud to be an American!!! But first and foremost a follower of Jesus. I just ‘happen” to be back in my hometown this weekend too where all those memories converge!!! Ohhhh the memories………………
Enjoy Buena Vista, Lea Ann! Small town parades are the best. God bless America!
“We hold these truths to be self-evident. . . . that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights . . . “ Our beloved nation was founded upon the belief that God was sovereign. The founders were Christian Nationalists. You express the same, Nancy. We are unashamed to bear the title “Christian Nationalist.” Thank you for expressing your patriotism. Inspiring! We are proud yet humble to be Americans. May the Lord Almighty help us remain such. Amen.
Amen, Rolle! Thanks for joining with me in celebrating our country AND giving glory to our God!
Bravo! I salute you, Nancy, with this inspiring, insightful post and I stand right along side you in whatever labels come our way. Here’s to all our fellow citizens here and in heaven.
Thank you, Beth! Grateful to have had some inspiration to write this. Our country deserves to be celebrated!
Amen!! Well said Nancy!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Helen. Hope you and Joe have a great 4th of July celebration!
Nancy, as always, you gave us an inspiring message! When I hear criticism of our country, I want to tell those people to get out of their comfort zone and travel to other countries, especially both Eastern and Western Europe, and South America to a slightly lesser degree. They would then come home, kiss the ground they walk on, and praise God for living in the greatest nation on earth. That’s my sermon for today!
I so agree, Peggy! There’s a reason people sometimes kneel and kiss the soil upon returning .
Love it!
Thanks, Dana!