Imagine a moment when the American flag, battered but resilient, stood as a beacon of unity. From the tragic ashes of 9/11 to moments of national triumph, this enduring emblem has symbolized resilience, hope and a shared identity. Today, as cultural divisions deepen, can the flag again inspire us to unite as one nation?
The U.S. State Department’s “One Flag Policy” mandates that only the American flag — except for specific instances, such as the POW/MIA flag — be flown at U.S. embassies around the world. To ensure a unified identity, this policy prohibits additional flags, including the Pride flag and the Black Lives Matter flag.
While the policy invites debate, its purpose is clear: to promote unity over division. In an era when division permeates our culture and churches, this policy encourages us to reflect on unifying principles and the significance of raising one banner high.
Red, white and blue: symbols of freedom
Flags signify a common identity and set of values. The red in the American flag represents sacrifice, white denotes purity and blue signifies justice. Together, these colors capture the essence of liberty and unity.
From its adoption in 1777 to its iconic presence at Ground Zero after 9/11, the flag has brought Americans together during both crises and celebrations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched under this banner, urging the nation toward justice and reconciliation grounded in biblical truth. He proclaimed, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The “One Flag Policy” emphasizes unity over competing agendas, reflecting the Gospel’s call for oneness. Ephesians 2:14 reminds us that Jesus “has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.” Just as a flag unites a nation, the gospel unites believers, transcending the labels that divide us.
Time and truth
Recently, my wife and I celebrated our anniversary in Chicago and reflected on what we’d change if we could go back 20 to 30 years. Time tests ideas — some endure while others fade. Just as enduring symbols like the flag remind us of timeless values, the Gospel also points us to eternal truths.
As believers, we must focus on rhetoric rooted in Christ’s truth rather than chasing trends. The media generates significant noise, leading many astray. We should pause and ask: Is this grounded in biblical truth or merely a distraction? Like the Gospel, the American flag represents shared values that endure through time: liberty, unity and justice.
The dangers of division
The United States should continue to acknowledge the painful truths of its history, which have caused deep suffering for African Americans and other people of color. Understanding the past is essential; however, unity requires reconciliation and progress.
As the body of Christ, we cannot let diversity divide us; instead, we must allow it to unite us in His love. Dr. King’s reminder resonates here: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Critical Theory, which divides society into oppressors and the oppressed, often fuels division by emphasizing identity rather than shared humanity. This theory categorizes overlapping identities (e.g., gender, class, race) as either oppression or privilege. Movements like Black Lives Matter function within this framework.
While these movements raise important issues, they risk dividing us further by focusing on what separates us rather than what unites us. Dr. King’s vision emphasized reconciliation over division. He warned, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Christianity teaches that all people are made in God’s image, hold equal value, and can find redemption in Christ.
While Black lives are undeniably important, the organization “Black Lives Matter” promotes principles that conflict with biblical teachings, such as undermining the nuclear family. These ideologies threaten unity by prioritizing group identities over shared values.
The Gospel: a superior banner
The Gospel provides the ultimate solution to division. While ideologies such as Critical Theory create fractures, the Gospel brings all people together under Christ. Ephesians 2:11–16 illustrates how Jesus reconciled Jews and Gentiles, forming “one new man.” This peace promotes justice and unity.
Dr. King’s vision aligns with biblical teachings such as Micah 6:8: “Do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Likewise, the One Flag Policy brings Americans together under one banner, steering clear of divisive ideologies. As Christians, we should raise Christ’s banner above worldly beliefs.
One nation under God
Christians should see the Gospel as the ultimate remedy for cultural divides. True freedom requires responsibility, which fosters unity, reconciliation, and shared values. Dr. King reminded us, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
Displaying the American flag reaffirms our commitment to unity and hope. As we reflect on the flag, let’s also contemplate the cross. The red, white and blue remind us of the sacrifices for freedom, the purity of hope and the pursuit of justice. Above all, we must elevate the Gospel that transforms lives and transcends divisions.
As followers of Christ, let’s take the first step toward unity — extending our love across divides, raising the banner of Christ above all, and living as one nation under God.
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