A conference official attended an Adventurer club induction meeting in September, and when it came time to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, those holding the state and Christian flags bowed their flags toward the American flag. Symbols are very powerful. The bowing of the Christian flag to the American flag is not merely an insignificant “symbol.”

The historic expansion of American territory and world power has occurred to some degree because of a confused allegiance between God and country. In the nineteenth century, the belief that America had a divinely appointed “manifest destiny” carried settlers across the continent, and across the Pacific to Hawaii and the Philippines. In the twentieth century, the cold war against “godless communism” invoked God’s blessing on America as the righteous instrument of His will.

Today, many Americans are troubled by declining morals and religious commitment and respond emotionally to powerful calls to “save” America by greater political involvement.

The point is not to criticize American history or foreign policy, or take sides in current culture wars. There’s nothing wrong with patriotism, loving this country, or singing “God Bless America.” The problem is not with patriotism, but with confusing our love of God with love of country.

On a “Freedom’s Ring” radio broadcast, Clifford Goldstein, editor of our Church’s adult Sabbath School Quarterly, told a story about Adolf Hitler’s mistress, Ava Braun. Shortly before the end of World War II, as the German army was being routed and defeat was inevitable, Ava Braun reportedly commented: “It’s enough to make you lose faith in God.” Her dismay reflected a common attitude. Germans everywhere had posted signs reading: “God is with us.”

God has blessed America. Our nation is identified in Bible prophecy as embracing uniquely “lamb-like” Republican and Protestant principles. “Republican” refers to government of, by and for the people, which protects individual rights and prevents tyranny. Protestant principles are clearly reflected in the First Amendment’s commitment to liberty of conscience as expressed in freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly. America has been a beacon of freedom and opportunity to the world.

God is not like a pagan deity to be invoked in support of a politician, public policy, or foreign policy agenda. God is not the American tribal deity who stoops to do our bidding. True religion requires that we submit to His will.

In Jeremiah’s day, the nation of Judah struggled with the prophetic counsel that they were not to trust in horses or in princes, but in God alone. The same temptation remains today, as Christians are taught to seek national salvation, prosperity and spiritual renewal in political action. But the wise One taught us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart…” and “in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

In our churches, when we pledge allegiance to the American flag, if any flag is to fly higher, it should be the Christian flag. We love our country, but our first love and allegiance belongs to God alone.