Friday; June 14

I am not sure when or where the tradition began, but at some point someone decided that it would be a good idea for each individual group of people to have a banner or flag to represent them and their cause.  The tradition began thousands of years ago and when our nation exercised our desire to be independent, we continued it by developing Old Glory.  On June 14, 1777 the Second Continental Congress resolved that the stars and stripes would be used to distinguish the United States of America.  Ever since that time, people from all over the world would come to recognize the principles of the United States embodied in the flag.  Sure, it has undergone some changes through the years (especially that addition of stars as each new state was admitted), but all in all, the basic design of the flag has remained intact.
As I thought about our flag I got to thinking about other symbols or representations people use – especially in religion.  Some religious groups have their own banners, while others use various types of insignia such as the “ichthys” (the fish symbol) to identify themselves with their religion.  Yet, interestingly, when Jesus was establishing His church, He called upon His disciples to use something even more distinct to represent their relationship with Him.  On the night before He was crucified He told His closest followers, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35).  In essence, the banner over His people was to be love.  It might be cool to have some kind of insignia, but according to Jesus the one that He recognizes is the selfless devotion of one disciple to another.
Are we flag-waivers when it comes to our spiritual living?  If so, the flag we will be waving is a genuine concern for and commitment to our fellow man.
Think About It!

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