Monday, July 27, 2015

7/27/15

We have a flagpole located near the entrance of our worship center on the Crossroads Christian Church property.  On that flagpole we prominently display an American flag.  I am glad.  It is representative of our loyalty to our motherland.  Our national constitution was originally founded upon God-honoring truths and convictions.  In addition, we have hundreds of military veterans that are a part of our church family.  And we are deeply indebted to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have sacrificially served in all branches of the military for nearly two and a half centuries to preserve our freedoms.  The display of the American flag is a reminder for us not to take these cherished freedoms for granted, but rather to receive them with gratitude as God’s blessing.  As a church, we are unapologetically patriotic… with only one qualifier. “… our [priority] citizenship is in heaven.” [Philippians 3:20]
 
Now, there is a widespread practice with which I have never been entirely comfortable.  And that is, flying the flag of the United States of America above the Christian flag on flagpoles located on church property.  I know it may be evidence of my slight bent toward OCD [obsessive compulsive disorder], but still… it feels to me like the placement of the Christian flag is out of order. Now, I do know that it’s what’s in the heart of each individual that matters most.  But I wonder about the passive statement that is made when the Christian flag is in a subordinate position.
 
The U.S. Code, article 175c, specifically states that… “No other flag or pennant should be placed above the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.”  Because I clearly understand daily life to be worship, I wonder whether this is enough of a concession.
 
Recently, in North Carolina the decision was made to remove the confederate flag from the state house.  I think that was a wise move; although some, with pure motives, passionately object.  These flag issues may be more a matter, not so much of right or wrong, but of good and better.  For me, the better statement is to elevate the tangible symbol of the government of God above the tangible symbol of the government of men. 
 
Just thinking out loud this morning and Speaking the Truth in Love…
 
Pray with me… Father God, when the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair; when the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore… there will be no more nations or flags or armies or war. But there will only be the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness will forever dwell.  Your Word promises Your eternal kingdom will stand.  And we desire, above all else, to be part of it along with as many people as we can take with us to the place that Jesus is preparing.  In His Name we pray… amen.

Blessings,
Pastor Ken

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