As Christians, how does our allegiance to Christ impact our allegiance to our country? Dr. Danny Akin addressed this question in this excerpt from his sermon at Southeastern Seminary on Matthew 5:13-16.
Here’s a transcript of his comments:
“This light, he says, is to be a light to the world. It’s to have a global impact among the nations. We are the light of the world. We are the light to the world. We are a light put on display by our Savior among the nations.
“And again people sometimes ask me, ‘Are you discouraged by what is going on today in the western world, and in particular in America.’ And I say, ‘Not really. Light always shines brightest against the darkness.’ The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ — let me say it another way: the true, authentic gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ — has never shone brighter in America in my lifetime. Why? It’s because there’s so much darkness. There’s so much evil. There’s so much wickedness. There’s so much decay. So instead of whining like a mule about it, might it be that God is working? Might it be that God is orchestrating?
We do not walk under the banner of an American flag, but we walk under the banner of a cross.
“God, by the way, is not up in heaven right now wringing his hands, saying, ‘Can you believe how America has screwed up this recent election process? My soul, I never saw this coming.’ No, he’s not up there worrying. He’s not up there wringing his hands. He is sovereignly sitting up on his throne, guiding and directing and orchestrating all things according to his plan.
“Now, that doesn’t mean that we sit back and do nothing. It doesn’t mean that we become irresponsible. It doesn’t mean that we become passive. But it does mean that when everything is said and done, we do not walk under the banner of an American flag, but we walk under the banner of a cross. And that is where our hope is.”
