Message - Stand and Honor The Flag
In this message I wanted to share and express my love for our country and why I stand and honor the American Flag and the values and sacrifices it represents. I know our history has not lived up to the ideals that we cherish. We treasure the ideals of liberty, equality and justice for all. Yet, we have failed in so many shameful ways in our past, and today there are many who do not feel they have experienced or hope to experience these treasured ideals.
The American flag is our symbol of national pride and love for our country and the freedoms and prosperity we enjoy. You may likely feel that deep sense of love and devotion to our flag. If you’ve served in the military it makes it even more personal. We carried the casket of my Grandfather to his grave with the American Flag draped over it. Folded and presented to my beloved tearful Grammy. The flag represents the precious lives given so that we might enjoy the freedom, peace and prosperity we have today. One of our histories striking images is of the Marines at Iwo Jima pushing up the flag pole with the American Flag of victory over hard fought ground. That image can fire us up, bring tears to our eyes or make us feel so proud and grateful to be an American man and stand and honor the flag.
Yet there is another flag that we as Christian Men can raise, be proud of, love and cherish in all that it means. It can inspire and motivate us to act not of self-serving preservation, but to give of ourselves to others. We can be transformed to pursue God-sized goals. It’s colors remind us of the eternal gift we have been given in freedom, equality and righteousness. We salute, or place our hand over our heart to the American Flag, but we will kneel and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who is represented by the Christian Flag.
Question to explore today is:
Are you as proud and devoted towards the Christian flag as you are to the American flag?
Just as our American flag has meaning and represents our American values. So, the Christian Flag represents Biblical Truths that give us hope in our present life. I would like to explore three Truths of Liberty, Equality and Justice.
Challenge:
As we look upon the Christian Flag, does it stir up similar emotions as you do when you salute or stand to the American Flag? Do you treasure the Liberty, Equality and Justice you enjoy today and forevermore that you have in Christ? Are you forever grateful for the great cost it took, the Son of God, to die on the cross for your sins so that you might have everlasting life? Do you live your life worthy of receiving this precious gift of eternal citizenship in God’s Kingdom?
