Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands.

One Savior crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.

In Children’s Church we stand and pledge allegiance to the American Flag, the Christian Flag and to the Bible. As Americans, we should be loyal to our country and be thankful for the freedoms it affords to us, especially religious freedom. I think it is extremely important for the children to learn loyalty and faithfulness. We are all loyal to something. Sometimes, scrolling Facebook, reading the paper, extra hours at work or watching our favorite TV show become the things we are most faithful to. When we pledge our allegiance to God, we are setting Him as the ruler of our lives. Our allegiance brings citizenship to Heaven and the blessings of God. However, when the things in our life that are competing for that loyalty replace God’s expectations, apathy sets in, obedience takes over and rebellion rules our lives.

Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Isaiah 1:4

When are minds are set on earthly things, our loyalties shift away from the God of our salvation. Our sin becomes a conscious choice. Isaiah in verse 4 is talking about Israel deliberately turning their back on God. Isn’t that what we are doing when we “choose” other things? In Hebrew the word “forsaken” means to abandon. May I never abandon the blessings of God for a moment of the world’s pleasures. I don’t want anything in my daily life to take God’s place. I want my choices to be pleasing and to be a show of allegiance to the one who set me free.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Pastor Julia Scott