Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 10/25/2011

Question
Thank you for your time .  On Memorial Day at my FWB church, we pledge allegiance to our flag & then we pledge allegiance to God . How can we pledge allegiance to both ?  Also, I don't know if I should make a pledge to be loyal to my country that has cast out our God from the schools and not following God's laws about abortion & the lifestyle of gays? I have also heard that our Goverenment allows universities to teach Koran but not the Bible ? I love the USA & can't imagine living in any other country ! God bless you & our country .

Answer
Dear Carolyn,
   Thanks for writing.  I agree with your feelings about our country turning its back on Godly principles.
   I'm not sure there is a conflict with pledging allegiance to God and to our country.  Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world-- John 18:36.  But Americans have responsibility for government by the people.  I believe our rulers to whom we render their due, according to Romans 13:7, is the majority of voters.  I also believe that to love our neighbor as ourself (the second greatest commandment) we should be good stewards of any opportunity for influencing good government policy that gives "our neighbor" what is best for him/her, which is Godly principles.
   While I think most of us Christians have very little influence on government (outside of teaching our children), so far, the majority of Americans haven't supported a government that puts Christians in jail or kills them for reading the Bible, etc.  We should probably be prepared for that, though.
   Putting a positive spin on the pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, pro-Muslim majority that is in power now, each of these positions is rather deadly, so maybe their numbers will decrease.  Pro-abortionists would probably produce less voters, pro-homosexuals risk deadly sexual diseases, and Muslims promote killing themselves and others to gain Paradise.
   The best thing we can do for our "neighbor" is to do everything we can to encourage God's work of eternal salvation for them.  I want to rely more and more on God so others will see His life and light and want God for eternity and for the good of our country also.
   Thank you for caring.  Yes, we still have a wonderful life in USA compared to most of the rest of the world.  I am very grateful.
   May the Lord bless you and continue to guide you with His glorious plan.
   Priscilla