American Flags and Church - part 1

If you've ever noticed, at North - we have the American flag on the platform only three times a year: the day before Memorial Day, the Sunday closest to July 4th, and the Sunday closest to Veteran's Day.  When I first came to North, the American and Christian flags were on the platform all the time. 

Probably one of the regular "complaints" I receive is why we don't always have the American and Christian flag on the platform. 

Before I give some reasons - let me say this clearly: I am a proud American.  I love my country.  If I had been called upon to serve in a war, I would have done so willingly and with pride.  I am one of those people who take off my hat and stand respectfully whenever and wherever I hear the National Anthem at sporting and other events. I don't even like to talk at my house while someone sings it on TV before a sporting event. I've given my children "the lecture" my father gave me at a Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball game when I was a child: "Thousands have died for our freedom, this is but one way we will show respect and love for those who died...."  I've given the same lecture to my daughters.  I also get very annoyed when people abuse the national anthem when singing it.  I'm sure they are great singers and popular in their particular genre of music, but PLEASE - just sing the national anthem in the traditional way.  Showcase our country - not your voice.  OK - enough on the pet peeves.

I do love my country. There is no where else I'd rather live.  I am so thankful for Veterans who have served, and young men and women who have died - for the country I love.  For all our faults, I would not want to live anywhere else.

But - I don't see a place for patriotism during a service devoted to worshiping God.

More on this tomorrow...

Comments

[Eric]

Not that you are taking a survey, but I wholeheartedly agree. That is a difficult one to balance as we consider how many Americans have responded since Vietnam. The key is to separate patriotism from the worship of God!