Under God

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV). MSN.com conducted a “power poll” to measure the feelings of people concerning the removal of the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance. At this writing the poll is running about 80% opposed to removing it with only 20% in favor. The impetus for the poll is in the renewed interest in bring the issue to the Supreme Court on whether the Pledge of Allegiance can be read in public classrooms. The arguments stem from a case brought by Michael Newdow. Newdow says the Elk Grove, Calif.; school district violated the First Amendment's restriction against Congress making laws regarding religion by requiring teachers to lead students in the Pledge. You may recall further that several years ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers nine Western states, ruled in his favor. The Pledge of Allegiance is not a verse composed by the Founding Fathers of our republic. It was written especially for children in the summer of 1892 to commemorate that year’s celebration of Columbus Day in public schools through out the country. The pledge first appeared in print on September 8, 1892, in The Youth’s Companion, which was an educational publication. In its original form, it read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which is stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice for all.” Its author was Francis Bellamy, an assistant editor of The Youth’s Companion, who intended it for a one-time recitation. But its immediate popularity transformed it first into an annual Columbus Day tradition and then into a daily classroom ritual. It became one of the earliest verses memorized by students. Since its debut, Bellamy’s pledge has undergone two major alterations. In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion replaced the somewhat ambiguously personal “my Flag” wording with the more explicitly patriotic “the Flag of the United States of America.” And in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that added the words “Under God.” Our reading this morning speaks directly to the efforts of some to dispense with any reference to God in our lives. The promise is that when we humble ourselves before God and acknowledge his position over us, we will be honored. Tragically it seems that many nations have refused to learn the lessons of history. There have been many great nations that are no more than references in our history books today because they defied the will of God. The Roman Empire may be the most vivid example of that. It was one of the greatest empires the world has ever known. Today that great government is no more than a collection of ancient artifacts for tourists to visit. Whether collectively or individually, nationally or personally, denying the rule of God in our life can only lead to destruction. President Eisenhower was wise to sign into law the additional phrase of “under God.” It should be the principle of our public and personal life. Are you “under God”?