Where is your Allegiance?

by Rev. Jess Foglesong



I can still remember those childhood classroom days where we all had to stand to recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.” And as a kid – of 8 or 9 years old – I never paid too much attention to what the words really meant: To have allegiance to a flag; to our country; to the people? I just knew that it was important to say those words, because the teacher said so; or because it was part of the school rules. Not until many years later did I realize the importance of those words; of patriotism; of honor; of freedom; of democracy.



To have allegiance to one’s country is certainly important and commendable. And certainly most people in the world are very allegiant to their distinct culture, heritage and country: Italians, the Irish, Russians, the French, Dutch, and Norwegians, as well as the English, Chinese, Japanese – and many, many more. All are naturally allegiant to their individual culture – or race: such as the Jewish, Hawaiian, or American Indian cultures. Some are so in to their culture that – to them, all others are inferior (or at least, irrelevant).



Nationalism for the most part becomes so strong, in some cultures, that it impedes one’s vision of global “oneness.” That is: humanity, as a whole, created by God. Instead of being allegiant to the Creator, we look at Him as secondary to one’s country or culture.



I suggest that we look beyond one’s nationalistic interest, and instead focus on the one who made us; and the one who showed us the importance of love and respect for all. Yes, we should never forget whom we are, and where we came from; and of course, never stop embracing our own distinct culture. But we must also never forget the Father in Heaven who made us; who was there when we were lost, and brought us back to the living. Our culture; our nationalistic interest will not ensure everlasting life. Only God and His angels can do that!



Our full commitment and allegiance to Him should be first on your list. All other things should be secondary. Your faith in His redemptive plan, through the deliverance of the Sacrificial Lamb, is imperative for your survival in this potentially, chaotic universe.



This is where my allegiance is … in God -- Jehovah! Who through His Son, The Christ, saved all of us. Why not celebrate this knowledge, as part of who you are. No matter what ancestry, culture, or country you derive from … don’t forget your true history and who created you.



He has not left the scene. He has been with us from the beginning. His illustrations and signs are everywhere! Don’t shut Him out! Live your life with The Father in mind. Include Him in your daily activities, in your conversations, in your journey.



We are all on a journey … like the multitude of migrating animals, we too are on our own journey home to the Father – to our true parent; to our true heritage, culture, country. To our true “Homeland.”



God best is always for you – today!