What Is Your Anthem?
What would you do if suddenly you had a national platform? If people far and wide looked up to you and cared about what you did and said? What would you do and say?
As a Christian, I’m sure that you would use this amazing opportunity to reflect all fame and glory to the one who truly deserves it, Jesus. I’m sure you’d also be involved in causes close to Jesus’ heart, defending the weak and powerless, helping the poor and needy, speaking against injustices.
Now imagine you decide to specifically fight for the unborn. So you gather with others that also seem to hold a national megaphone and who are horrified that so many in our country would embrace such a heinous act, the murder of innocents. And so, right or wrong, you decide to draw attention to the issue and to showcase your disgust by not participating in the national anthem in the traditional way. Instead, you kneel, or lock arms, or stay hidden during the anthem.
Did you make the right call? Was this the best way to invoke change in our country? Maybe, but probably not. But at least you were trying to use your platform for something right and good. At least you found a way “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2), while still speaking out.
As you probably know, the National Football League and its players are under much scrutiny for their treatment of the national anthem. Players, coaches, and owners alike are essentially boycotting the anthem in order to send the message that racial bigotry will no longer be tolerated in our country. If you’re white like me, it’s easy to think that widespread racist acts is a thing of the past. But are you certain of that? If there’s a chance that it’s still somewhat epidemic, how can you not be sympathetic to what the NFL is doing? Are they going about it the right way? Maybe, but probably not. But at least they’re trying to use their collective voice to speak out against evil. And make no mistake, racism is evil and Jesus went to the cross for it just as He did for the sin of abortion.
So dear Christian, before using your platform (and you most certainly have one), to simply defend our great country in this instance or any other, let’s remember our true citizenship and use each opportunity, including this one, to gently but loudly proclaim our anthem: The Good News of Jesus Christ who crushed sin and promised a future home free of any kind of sin or evil for all those who believe!
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Pastor Matt
Categories: Evergreen Connection