Monday, June 30, 2008

The Cross And The Flag

This week, we celebrate the 232nd anniversary of the founding of our country. America has been a grand experiment in democracy and freedom. Our nation has had its share of bumps along the way, and has many issues today. Nonetheless, it is the greatest country in the history of the planet.

This past Sunday, we had our annual Fourth of July celebration in the worship service at our church. We attend a multi-location megachurch in the Houston area. Our church is known for its conservative stance on issues, but does not have a reputation for legalism. Our senior pastor is well-known and well-respected in the city and in our denomination. I line up with him theologically and politically. He encourages the church to celebrate Independence Day in order to give people a chance to thank God for the freedoms provided in America, such as freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression. These are things we should not take lightly.

As I sat through the service, I could not help but think of how culturally American it was. It was a celebration of all things American, with plenty of patriotic music and a recognition and celebration of the military. It was very well done, as it is every year. However, I couldn’t help but think of a couple of things: 1) What if this were China? In China, in the state-sanctioned church, they would be celebrating all things Communist, along with the state-approved view of God. In the fast-growing, vibrant underground church, patriotism is the last thing on their mind, as they experience persecution from the state. The same can be said for Cuba and any other totalitarian state. 2) What tone would this service have if the current Democratic candidate is elected president in November?

America is a great nation. We have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. However, for the Christian, we must remember that the cross and the flag are two different and separate things. People died and are dying under the flag for our freedom. Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life. While those facts are ultimately related, wrapping the cross up in the flag is dangerous. It makes us put our country on an exalted plane deserved only by the King of Kings. At the same time, we need to take time to remember that God has raised America up to be a special nation, one where freedom has been given to worship God and to spread the Gospel here and throughout the earth. Nations, however, are fleeting, and God can choose to allow America as we know it to disappear.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, let us recognize the Source of that freedom. May we separate our faith in Christ from our pride in our country, and may God use that to make our country as He wants it to be. May we view the world as Christians first, and Americans second.

1 comment:

Zee said...

I don't think there's anything I can add to that. Amen, bruthah.