Article: STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 09:32 PM

"STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER"
By Patrick D. Andrews

Since the tragedy of the terrorism in New York City, a greater patriotism and social awareness has come over the nation. More meaning has been assigned to holidays and special days of commemoration. Undoutedly, Flag Day (June 14) will also be extra special.

It has its roots as a day that was set aside to give special recognition and tribute to that which the Stars and Stripes represents. It came to be many years and battles after General George Washington, sometime in January of 1776, hoisted the vanguard of that which would one day be declared as Old Glory. Our flag is a grand symbol of our national heritage.

Sadly, school children aren't encouraged or allowed to participate in what used to be part of American school children's regular daily routine. We stood beside our desks with the best of posture and our hands over our hearts as we recited the "Pledge of Allegiance." It was a pledge that contained some difficult words--words that can bring tears to the eyes of the most battle-hardened patriots of "our America."

Teachers named Cottam, Webster, and Frambers taught us the meaning of the flag's colors and why there is indeed "freedom and justice for all." They taught us the true beauty of the white stripes' representation of our nation's purity. That meant to us that all others within this great nation would stand united on the principles of a republic that was envisioned and founded upon the premise of right treatment for each of her citizens, visitors, and guests who would stand on her shores, from sea to shining sea. Then, we heard about those stars that stand in contrast to the field of blue, but indicate individual states that hold the principals of national loyalty to Jehovah God, and our nation, and each individual citizen of each of the 50 states as being significantly important.

Courage, purity, and loyalty--what does it all mean in 2002? Somehow, we have allowed the years to change our thoughts. School children don't say it--don't know it--don't appreciate it as it was in days that are gone. Perhaps there are too many across the breadth and length of this great nation that take the privileges of citizenship too much for granted. The blood of past patriots must remain important and freedom will not always be freedom if we are not willing to pay the price for such freedom.

The values which we nationally hold dear, did not come into being in some vacuum. They were not values that were chosen at random. Our forefathers and national heroes have a common thread. The values upon which this nation is built comes from the Builder of the universe.

Before He ever spoke it all into existence, He had a plan for those who will listen and obey. Integrity or simple Christian dignity comes from those values upon which Jesus said all the law and the prophets were founded. Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. It is a concept that spells out the course of action that must be taken by each of us.

Sadly and fearfully, this nation, and I fear the church, are faced with a great lack of concern for the will of God. Too many are unwilling to place the welfare of others above their own. It's a condition that causes us to not be concerned for evangelizing the lost or keeping the saved saved. It's an epidemic of loss--we want others to be taught the truth of the gospel as long as the process of the teaching does not impact our already over crowded schedules.

May it never be the case that Southeast becomes unconcerned with God's friendship as it relates to our time, talent, and energy? May it never be that we are too busy for God. Patriotism and Christianity don't just happen. Someone teaches and someone learns. We are either for Him or against Him. Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. We are either set on giving up self, or we are on our way to a self-centered, eternal destruction.