Question:
Should we as Christians, participate in the pledge of allegiance? Should a Christian pledge (promise) while holding his right hand over his chest (an oath) allegiance (devotion and loyalty) to a flag, republic, or anything other the Lamb of God. I don’t want to seem anti-America, I personally am thankful to GOD for a country of freedom. Thank you for your loyalty to the Lord Jesus, may He continue to bless everyone of you.
Answer:
Romans 13:1-7 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; CUSTOM TO WHOM CUSTOM; fear to whom fear; HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR.”
Matthew 22:16-21 says, “And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, RENDER THEREFORE UNTO CAESAR THE THINGS WHICH ARE CAESAR’S; AND UNTO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD’S.”
As in the case of paying taxes, such is the case in showing honor and observing customs in regard to our nation. There is a certain amount of respect and honor that is due to one’s nation. “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; CUSTOM TO WHOM CUSTOM; fear to whom fear; HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR.” It should not be hard for a Christian to say the “Pledge of Allegiance,” because it has in it the Scriptural principle that governs all commitments to man. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation UNDER GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” All affirmations of loyalty to mankind are subject to loyalty to God, first and foremost.
If our country asks us to do something that is against God’s Law, then we must refuse to do that wrong thing. Acts 5:26-29 says, “Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN.”
Whether it is loyalty to one’s nation; loyalty to one’s employer; or loyalty to a friend; all of those loyalties are subject to be loyal to God, first and foremost.