Christ-Followers, Where Should Our Allegiance Lie?

Where should our Allegiance Lie? Jean Wilund InspireAFire

By Jean Wilund

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.

Happy Birthday, America!

America is about to celebrate her 244th birthday, but she probably doesn’t feel much like celebrating.

She’s a glorious nation, but she’s going through agonizing times.

She reminds me a bit of Simon Peter when Jesus said:

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 23:31-32).

After Jesus’ alarming prophecy, Simon Peter gave a Braveheart-worthy speech. Bring out the blue paint and smear it on his face.

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death” (Luke 23:33).

He pledged his allegiance to Christ.  

Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 23:34).

Satan had no power to tempt Peter into denying Jesus without God’s permission.

Just as the Father ordained Jesus’ coming hour of darkness to save the souls of His church, He ordained Simon Peter’s hour of darkness to build His church’s firm foundation.


God does things to us
in order to do things in and through us.


God ordains times of darkness—even for His most faithful children (and nations) under God.

Do not fear.

God calls Christians to “be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Romans 13:1-2).

Paul wrote these words while the infamous and horrifically-cruel Nero reigned over a burning Rome.

And yet God called for allegiance to Nero and His ordained government.   

Fellow Christ-followers, no matter what’s going on in our country, do not fear.

We can boldly pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America because our allegiance first lies with Christ.

In God we trust.

Now, light the fireworks and pass the cake. Let the birthday celebration begin!

Jean Wilund

Jean Wilund is passionate about coffee and comedy, but she's most excited about leading women into a greater understanding of the Bible and a deeper relationship with God. She writes for Revive our Hearts ministries, creates Bible study videos for her YouTube Channel, and connects with women on her blog at Jeanwilund.com. Jean and her husband live in South Carolina. Their children and grandtwins live scattered across the country.

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