EVANGELISM,
CALL OF

WE ALL grew up in school having to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Day after day, we would begin our school day, saying, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Our schoolteachers would lead us or they would come across the PA system and the whole school would be reciting it together as a daily reminder of where our national commitment lies. We were being reminded at every turn about the awesome privilege it is to enjoy the freedoms of America and to commit ourselves to loyalty to the country.

Before sporting events, “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes a musical reminder of a commitment to a country and a flag and a constitutional republic that is the essence of this democracy. This is not just done as a routine; it’s done as a reminder of what the privileges are. As flawed as some of the aspects of our nation may be, this song and this pledge are a reminder of our commitment to be an American.

In a similar way, Jesus Christ asked His followers to make a pledge of allegiance—a statement of commitment to be both identified and associated with Him, if, in fact, we claim Him as our Savior. He has asked us to make it known that we are Christians, followers of Jesus Christ. He invites us to come out of the closet and to go public. He invites us to stop being secret-agent Christians and CIA followers. He invites us to be clear and articulate representatives of Him.259

[Evangelism, Responsibility of; Witnessing]

Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 2:15