Are
we really “one nation under God, indivisible?”
It’s a fair question to ask given the events of the past
few months, and more specifically around the recent inauguration.
And that phrase we find in our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance
comes surrounded by divisiveness as the pledge developed.
Colonel George Balch wrote the nation’s first pledge in
1887 which was quickly deemed too juvenile and lacking dignity by Francis
Bellamy.
As Mr. Bellamy re-wrote the pledge in 1892 he wanted to
include the words ‘equality’ and ‘fraternity’ but because of prevailing views
at the time concerning women and minorities he felt those words would be divisive,
so he left them out.
The words ‘under God’ were added to our current version
of the pledge in 1954, and addition divides people today.
Throughout the development of our pledge and its call for
unity, it’s carried the tension of divisiveness.
So how do we as citizens, and more specifically those of
us who call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ, make this goal of unity work?
First
of all, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ we remember that power is
never to be used at the exclusion of fairness.
Secondly,
we take hope as Craig D. Lounsbrough writes:
“Contradictions
are the impossible chasms that create forever separations. God is the forever
bridge that creates impossible reunions.”
I invite you to join us Sundays at 10AM as we dare to cross this bridge.
Together
We Serve,
Pastor Mike