My heart sank and I shook my head as I read the Apple News Spotlight notification that popped up on my phone: “Trump supporters have stormed the Capitol, forcing the evacuation of Congress and disrupting the electoral vote count.”
Rallies, protests, riots, division, looting, and outright hatred have marked the last year for Americans.
In my young life, I have never seen anything like it. My heart hurts daily for the families that have been broken, houses divided, and friendships tragically ruined over political arguments and overreactions.
Although I am not an expert on politics, I have recognized a deep-seeded issue in the lives of Americans today. Quite simply, we have been called to fight in a battle of good versus evil.
Growing up, I recited the Pledge of Allegiance at my parochial school each morning. I admit that after a while, I stopped thinking about the words and merely repeated them because I had come to know and memorize them. I did not give much thought to what they actually meant and how proud I should be of the country in which I resided.
There is no doubt that our allegiance to this country has been called into question the past year. At times, I find myself embarrassed to be called an American, wondering what other countries around the world think about the craziness that has ensued.
As a Christian, I have recognized this issue and battle between good and evil for some time. This battle began in the Garden, and our world has been marred by sin ever since. We need not be surprised when bad things happen, because we know that the prince of this world prowls around like a roaring lion, ready to destroy anyone who falls into his den.
I ask you, if you are a Christian, where does your allegiance lie? While we are called to respect and honor our authorities and to stand up for this country, we know that we have a God whose authority is the ultimate authority. He is greater than any political party, and His laws stand the test of time. As a nation, we have become so encapsulated with political parties that I fear we have forgotten the God of creation and the supreme authority He holds over each and every one of our lives.
We have created labels—Democrat and Republican—to signify what we believe in and what policies we want changed in our country. These labels, however, fail to acknowledge where our true identity should lie. As Christians, we are children of God first and foremost. All of our actions should point to our Lord and Savior, and we should strive to stand up for the biblical beliefs that we hold so dear. Christ called for unity within the Church, and that unity can only be achieved if we hold fast to His teachings and ask ourselves how to be a light in the darkness and the salt that preserves the truth of His Word
This will look different to everyone in each unique situation. I urge you, therefore, to remember these words: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Do not lose sight of the hope we have in Christ and the call He has placed on our lives to turn hearts toward Jesus. I am dismayed that we have lost sight of what is important and that God’s heart is breaking as He witnesses the tragedy and division taking place within this nation and within His Church. I fear that we have been caught and held captive by “Americanism” rather than by biblical wisdom.
Should we not be saying “Make Following Jesus Great Again” instead of “Make America Great Again?” Should we not be asking ourselves if we can defend and explain the gospel as well as we can defend and explain our political beliefs? Could we be as vocal in standing up for our faith as we are in standing up for our party’s beliefs?
I pledge allegiance, yes, to the United States of America. I love our freedoms, our diversity, and our opportunities. However, I pledge allegiance, first and foremost, to our Creator God, the Sovereign Judge of all humankind, who has given me truth and hope that transcends all length of time and trial.
Where does your allegiance lie?