As we celebrate the Birthday of our Nation a question keeps ringing in my mind: Is America a Nation Under God? In our pledge of allegiance to the US Flag we say, “One Nation Under God”. Stamped on our currency are the words, “In God We Trust” Does a phrase in our pledge to the flag or an inscription on our money make us a Nation under God? Inscriptions, slogans, phrases or stamped words on paper or metal may look good in print, they may even be idealistic or hopeful, but if they are not backed up by action, they are only hollow sayings. An old saying comes to mind, “sound and fury signifying nothing.
Have we really thought about what we are saying when we repeat the words, “One Nation Under God” in our pledge to the flag? Do we really give thought to what the words, “In God We Trust” on our currency mean? The phrase “under God” was not even in the original pledge to the flag. It was added by Congress in 1954. We all know that saying it doesn’t make it so.
Israel was a “nation under God” because God chose it. There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that God ever chose another nation in the way he chose Israel. The United States of America nor any other nation in the world can be a “nation under God” in the way that Israel was. However, our nation or any other nation can be a “Nation under God” if the people choose to believe in God and follow his commandments.
God told Israel what he expected of them if they were to be His Nation (Exodus 19: 5-6) ” Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” It seems logical to me that for the USA to be a “Nation Under God” we must obey and keep his covenants. While individuals choose to obey and keep His covenants, it does not appear at the present time that we as a nation are doing so. To be a “Nation under God” we must do what God requires? Otherwise our slogans and mottos are empty words.
In His Love, Charles
(reprinted from July 2018)
