Today is June 14, National Flag Day here in the United States. It is a day set aside to honor the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, which has flown proudly over our nation, in one form or another, for over 200 years.
We fly our flag as a symbol of our national pride, a reminder of the resilience of our country and the principles upon which it was built. We fly it as a beacon of hope to all who come to our shores in search of “liberty and justice for all.”
As citizens of this great nation we take pride in our flag and all it stands for. When we pledge allegiance to the flag we are also pledging allegiance to “the republic for which it stands”, committing ourselves as its citizens to supporting it and helping it reach its full potential.
No matter what nation we call home, God calls us as its citizens to “submit to governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1). He tells us, “Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. (Romans 13:7). In other words, we are called to be good citizens.
At the same time, however, we must always remember that we, as Christians have a higher calling. While we must do our best to be good citizens, always honoring the flag and “the republic for which it stands,” working its “peace and prosperity” (Jeremiah 29:7) we must never forget we are also “citizens of heaven”. (Philippians 3:20). We are “a chosen people…royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” (1 Peter 2:9).
This does not present a conflict of interest, because as God’s chosen people we will be the best citizens a nation could ask for. We will honor God by honoring our nation’s leaders, keeping the nation’s laws (as long as they do not conflict with God’s higher law), and working for the good of its citizens.
No matter what earthly nation you are a citizen of, no matter what flag you pledge allegiance to today, let your citizenship in heaven guide you to be the best citizen possible here on earth, showing by your lives “the goodness of God,” calling them “out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
God bless and Happy Flag Day!