As soon as I read the words “switching allegiances” the tune of the song “I’m Abandoned to the Captain” by Steve Fry started playing in my head.
So lay aside each weight that binds
And enter in the harvest time
Until the Kingdom of this world
Become the kingdoms of our Christ
I'm abandoned to the Captain
Of the mighty hosts of Heaven
And I pledge Him my allegiance
'Til the earth beholds His Kingdom
My spirit soared as the choir sang this song. Not too many songs give you the opportunity to declare your loyalty to Christ.
Do you remember the feeling you had as a child, placing your hand over your heart and saying, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America?” I felt such pride. Anything patriotic does something to me. I’m not sure we have the same feeling in America today but let’s not lose it for God.
Christ is asking us to check our allegiance as disciples. Are we more loyal to ourselves, our family, our friends than we are to God? If so, we need to switch allegiances. I couldn’t use the word “hate” because that’s not what Jesus really meant. We’re not to hate anyone but our loyalty should be so strong for Christ that it’s known that we love him more.
Can you imagine yourself placing your hand over your heart and declaring “I pledge allegiance to my job, my hobby, my Mother? That is what we are doing when we love others or things more than Christ.
Lord, show us where our allegiance may be misplaced. Help us to experience your love so deeply and completely that switching allegiance is easy.
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