“And now, ladies and gentlemen, please give your attention to Mr. Jake Smith, who will be singing our national anthem.”

The familiar strains of “The Star Spangled Banner” filled the gym, beginning the basketball tournament for my son’s team. Immediately, I and many others around me turned to face the American flag, placing our right hands over our hearts. As the anthem continued, I noted that a distinct minority did not do so. Many were simply talking or texting on their cell phones. They either didn’t know or didn’t care to respect the flag and the national anthem. Sadly, such experiences are becoming commonplace.

To quote the old adage, “This is a free country.”  and many Americans take this to mean that they have the right to express oneself in any manner, as long as it does not break the law. While this may be true, I believe that if one is a citizen of a country, one should take pride in their status and honor their country and the emblems that represent it. In America, this includes the national anthem and our flag.  What should be our proper attitude? The Bible gives us valuable guidance. 

For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 

1 Peter 2:13-16 (NLT)

As Americans, we have the freedom to leave our country at any time and renounce our citizenship. Ironically, there is a law that dictates the proper protocol that a citizen should assume when the national anthem is performed, but, regrettably, it is never enforced. America is not perfect. No nation, created by man, is. However, the Bible is very clear that we are to honor our leaders and follow the laws of the land as long as it does not conflict with God’s teaching. There is nothing dishonorable or ungodly to show proper respect to the symbols and traditions of our country. 

I do know and I do care. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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