I Pledge Allegiance

"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Matthew 10:22

     I work at an elementary school where, I'm happy to say, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. It thrills me to see everyone cease activity, face the flag with hand over heart and utter those beloved, familiar words. Sometimes, I close my eyes and think about those who fought under that flag, veterans from the various wars who sacrificed life and limb. Some languished in prisoner of war camps, enduring torture and abuse. The blessed survivors kissed the ground upon return, so happy were they to return to this land of the free, home of the brave.

     There's another flag to which I pledge allegiance that is not displayed at the public school, but its importance far outweighs the first. It is the Christian flag. Here is one version of its pledge:

     I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag

and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands;

one brotherhood, uniting all mankind in service and in love.

 

 

          This flag flies over many a battleground, figuratively - where decisions for liberty are made in courtrooms, where marriage vows are spoken, where persecutions are rained upon the saints in the four corners of the world. It's a battle between God and Devil, Good and Evil, and those who stand firmly for Jesus will be saved.

 

     These words from a favorite hymn come to mind:

 

For all the saints who from their labors rest

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

     As you don the full armor of God, picture in your mind the kingdom for which we stand and the Savior whom we serve. Fly the Christian flag in your yard and remind yourself to daily stand firm.