Be One Nation Under God
Be One Nation Under God
What do you think it means to be one nation under God, as taught to every American school-aged child from our country’s Pledge of Allegiance? The Bible helped me gain a better understanding of this particular phrase. In Genesis 26:4, God declared to Abraham, “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on Earth will be blessed.”
This covenantal promise surely expresses God’s love for and value of all nations on Earth. In fact, there are multiple scriptural references that explain how God judges nations according to their choices, motives, and actions. It would appear that nations that obey God tend to receive blessings, which may have been the inspiration for our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance. But are we to be so bold as to pledge ourselves as not only one nation under God, but also “indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all?” This is our pledge! So, how are we doing as one nation under God as we prepare to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence?
While the United States was never intended to be a theocracy, there is a high value for religious freedom; our forefathers founded this nation on Biblical principles. Our country, often referred to as the “shining city on a hill,” is a metaphor for American exceptionalism, depicting the nation as a beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity. This term comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” So then, how do you think we’re doing upholding our pledge? Are we living under God’s authority in our daily lives? Do our leaders seek God’s wisdom, counsel, and guidance in their decision-making? Are we truly indivisible, or will the chasm between our political parties render our pledge impossible to keep?
Let us Walk in His Way
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of living in this magnificent country, which You have blessed and watched over for these 250 years. You have bestowed on us the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and for this, we are eternally grateful. May we, the followers of Christ, live under Your authority, guided by Your holy Word, Your Holy Spirit, and the blood of Jesus, which truly sets us free. We pray for a spirit of unity and a bond of peace, because we know what the phrase means: “united we stand, divided we fall.” Therefore, we pray as Solomon did when he asked You for wisdom. Please give our leaders “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9). Bless America, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel
author of “Walk in His Way” for
Carry the Light Ministries
