Many Christian churches in the United States display two flags, the American flag and the Christian flag. One represents our country and its ideals; the other represents our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his kingdom. To serve either of these flags and what they represent faithfully and effectively, we must meet certain requirements. Before we can become veterans, we must first be good soldiers.
The dictionary defines a veteran as: a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation or office, such as a veteran of the police force; a person who has served in the military, especially during a war; one experienced through long service or practice, such as a veteran member of Congress. Let us compare what is required of military veterans to what it means to be a true veteran of the cross of Christ.
One must voluntarily choose to serve either flag. America no longer drafts people to serve in the armed forces; instead, they are asked to volunteer. Recruiters encourage men and women to voluntarily enlist in the military. God also does not force anyone to serve him; however, he invites people to come to Christ and sends out ambassadors to urge people to serve in his army (Matthew 11:28; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
Those who serve the American flag must have faith in the United States government, that it will supply their physical needs. Food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, and even companions are supplied by the government. Those who serve the Christian flag must have faith in Jesus, who has called them into his service, to supply their every need of spirit, soul, and body (Philippians 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Those who serve the American flag are expected to be completely committed to their country and to allow nothing to prevent them from performing their duties and serving faithfully. Those who serve the Christian flag are expected to be completely committed to Christ and his kingdom, not allowing anything to keep them from serving him faithfully and doing his will (Luke 5:11, 27-28; 14:33).
Those who serve the American flag are required to follow orders and are expected to be obedient to the letter.
Christ expects and requires no less of those who serve the Christian flag (Isaiah 1:19-20; John 14:21). Obedience requires that we discipline our bodies and bring our desires into subjection, lest we should become disqualified to serve (1 Corinthians 9:27; Ephesians 2:3).
Those who serve the American flag are expected to be completely devoted to the country it represents. The dictionary defines devotion as: earnest attachment to a cause or person; profound dedication, especially to religion; consecration. Christ expects those who serve the Christian flag to be completely devoted or consecrated to him and his kingdom (1 Chronicles 29:5; 2 Corinthians 8:5, 12).
To be true spiritual veterans, we must first be good soldiers of the cross, completely devoted to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. John Newton (who penned the most popular hymn in history, “Amazing Grace”) wrote: “For a Christ follower, the important thing isn’t what God has us doing; the important thing is that we’re doing what God wants us to do.” I pray the Lord makes us all true spiritual veterans.
