The word “allegiance” means loyalty or commitment to leader, government, group, or country. In the United States, for example, we recite The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag—”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.” And this is quite appropriate for the citizens of this country to do. Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
Christians must also pledge their allegiance to the God of the Bible, where we are exhorted, “Through Him [Jesus Christ] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Hebrews 13:15). This ought to grab our attention. Note the words, “continually … a sacrifice of praise to God.” Genuine christianity means a continual obedient relationship with the Sovereign God of heaven. Pledge means a serious and dignified commitment or undertaking. Speaking to His apostles about the indwelling of Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience to the the Lord is most essential essential in living a godly life.
There is absolutely no reason why born-again believers cannot pledge their allegiance to God. We must remember that we are “in the world but not of the world.“ Consider the earnest desire of Abraham, who was “looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). This city is a heavenly city – the New Jerusalem – where God Almighty dwells and will ultimately be the believers’ dwelling place. This is the city that Jesus spoke of when He said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).
With these things in mind, shouldn’t we be inclined to trust God more and more and join with King David who declared: “The LORD is my light and my salvation … The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). There is absolutely no doubt that we are living in an “electronic age” with a plethora of gadgets and gizmos, which can negatively impact our allegiance to God, if one is not careful. When there is a “have to have it” desire and mentality, we become addicted to things to the extent that “things have us.” This kind of thinking is contrary to God’s word because it is the pursuit of earthly things, subsequently “glorying in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19).
God has not promised that life would be without challenges and difficulties. along the way. On the contrary, Jesus declares, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We must fight the good fight of faith with the outlook that we will prevail, no matter the circumstance. God called us by His grace, saved us by his grace and keeps us by His grace. Let us love and worship Him in spirit and according to truth, endeavoring to be faithful in all things.
May it be our resolve to magnify the Lord and exalt His Name, worshipping and serving Him with great joy and delight. This will both strengthen and support our allegiance to Him.