JOHN SHIRK – Allegiance is defined by devotion or loyalty.  As our pledge of allegiance to the flag demonstrates patriotism for our nation, so our pledge of allegiance to Jesus expresses a different type of loyalty.

If we follow Jesus, our citizenship is in heaven, but currently we live on the earth as Christ’s ambassadors.  We are here to represent Him as a matter of first priority.  Part of representing Jesus well is to be loyal and responsible citizens to our governments. Romans 13:6 urges us to pay taxes for those who give their full time to governing.  “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  Caesar may have our taxes, but only God deserves our worship.  We are wise to set apart Christ as Lord, and have that firmly established in our mind and heart.  That way, if there is ever a conflict between what the government tells us to do and what Jesus tells us to do, we know which voice to heed.

Allegiance is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com