One Nation Under God

Annette LaPlaca

From the first day of kindergarten, American children have, for decades, been taught to place their hands over their hearts and repeat a promise of loyalty:

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Recently, this familiar pledge has come under attack, with certain courts declaring it unconstitutional to repeat that pledge in a public school. The debate centers on the phrase "one nation under God," because Americans hold such widely differing ideas of who God is--or even whether He exists. Americans who reject God are offended by this phrase about God's leadership.

Whether or not America chooses to consider itself a "nation under God," America is "under" God's authority and power--and so is every other nation. The Bible teaches that God is the Creator of the world--and of nations and governments: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). We owe respect to our government because God is the ultimate authority behind it: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1).

As our nation decides to accept or reject this truth, you also must make a decision--will you acknowledge God as the creator, whose rightful place is Lord over everything, including your life? The Bible teaches that God created people to have a loving relationship with Himself. But our sin separates us from our pure and holy Creator. So God made a way to remove this barrier by sending His Son to pay the penalty that we deserve. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Believe today! If you've never acknowledged God's authority over your life, do it now by saying these words from your heart: "God, I know that you are ultimately powerful. I'm sorry I've ignored you and gone my own way. Thank you for making a way for me to have a relationship with You through Jesus. Help me to turn away from sinful choices and live for You. Amen."

If you have trusted in God, you will find that He is the ultimate kind, wise, and loving authority. You have chosen the ultimate loyalty and become part of His family. You, as an individual, are "under God."

© 2002-2004 Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
Translated by permission of Good News Publishers
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