TERRE HAUTE —
It’s Vacation Bible School time all across the land. Crafts. Refreshments. Songs. Skits. Memory verses. Puppets. And although I can’t say for certain, it’s my guess that most of those VBS days will start with three Pledges of Allegience: to the American Flag, the Christian Flag and the Bible.
We all know the history of our flag. We know why there are 13 stripes and 50 stars. But what do we know about the Christian Flag?
The Christian Flag is different from any other flag known to man. No religion, sect, culture, society, nation or race has control of the Christian Flag. There are no formalized rules regarding its display or the disposal of old ones. It is a flag without a country, yet its message and symbolism is meant for all countries on earth. The Christian Flag exists for every person in every tribe and every nation. This flag is for all, no matter what race, religion, sex, or political persuasion. It is for young and old, slave and free, rich and poor. It is a flag that belongs to all and yet is owned by no one.
The Christian flag has survived controversy, both within and without the church. Laws concerning its display with the Stars and Stripes have been challenged. Traditions within churches have been toppled. Yet the Christian flag still flies over many churches, schools, and Christian businesses across America. Despite the lack of any official sanction or proclamation, the Christian flag has won a place in the hearts of individual believers from coast to coast and border to border.
And during the summer, in Vacation Bible Schools everywhere, little voices will be heard reciting: I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands; One brotherhood, uniting all Christians in service and in love. And although not much is known about the origin of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible, those VBS voices will ring out the combination of two well-known Bible verses: Psalm 119:105 and Psalm 119:11. “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word; a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Its words will I hide in my heart that I might not sin against God.”
Flags and fireworks will dot the skies this Fourth of July. Our servicemen and women will be honored, saluted, and thanked for their service. As we sing The Star Spangled Banner, we will not be ashamed of any tears that may fall from our eyes.
That’s all good — but what about those other pledges? Are they merely words that are said at the beginning of each day of VBS? Do we believe we are Christians united in service and in love? Do we believe the Bible to be God’s Word to us? Do we believe the words of the Bible will keep us from sin?
Hmm … I wonder … where does your allegiance lie?
Verna Davis, speaker and writer, maybe reached at vrdspeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: The Christian Flag exists for every person, every nation
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