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Honoring the National Flag…
A controversy arouse some years ago when a cult group identifying themselves as
Indian Christians refused to salute the national flag. How distressing!
Fortunately, very soon, it was then cleared by the church that the group
in question was a cult and it did not represent the mainstream Christianity.
In order, this issue is permanently put to rest, I propose to deal on this issue,
this time out, with inputs from respected senior servants of God like Brother
R.Stanley of Blessing Youth Mission, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
The word “salute” simply means, “ to greet with respect.” In India we greet one another with
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bowed heads or folded hands. These postures vary according to culture. This is not worship.
Apostle Peter rebuked Cornelius because the latter exceeded the
level of greeting and literally “worshipped” Peter
(Acts 10:25,26).
What the three Hebrew young men sternly refused was the “ worship” of the gold “ image”
set by the King (Dan 3) and as such the concerned Cult group need not pride itself
to belong to the category of that faithful lot.
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Christians may not be nationalistic but they must be patriotic.
The Bible has nothing to say against patriotism, which means love and dedication to one’s
country. Apostle Paul was proud of his Roman citizenship even though the Roman
Empire was pagan (Acts 22:25-29). Our ultimate citizenship in
Heaven does not negate our present citizenship on earth. Otherwise we would need to
go “ out of the world!”
(1 Cor 5: 10). The flag represents the nation. When we salute the
flag, we publicly declare our love and respect for the country.
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In the western world there’s a custom of keeping the nation flag inside the church buildings.
This is perfectly in order. Are not all governing authorities from God?
(Rom 13:1).
Why should we not hoist our national flag atop our church steeples or inside church compounds,
at least on the Independence Day and the Republic Day? We can have special programmes’
and prayers for the nation right inside the church. This will serve as an occasion to renew
our commitment to obey the laws of the nation and be faithful citizens. If we have retreats or
camps during these two important days, which are public holidays, we may begin the programme
with flag hoisting, praying for the nation and singing of the national anthem.
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Praying for a country, where the good Lord has kept us in His sovereign wisdom
is something which pleases Him very much
(Jeremiah 29:7,
1 Tim 2: 1,2).
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On the 15th day of August 2000 we have entered the 59th year of Indian Independence.
Hallelujah! India is the most religious country in the world. This country is the unique
in many ways. No other nation is so diversified in its languages and cultures. Let’s
look at the huge population of our country as masses of potential candidates to be reached
for the Kingdom of God. Rightly sang Mr. Emil Jebasingh of Trans world radio in one of his
Tamil songs that Indians would fill Heaven! True in our nation the malaise of corruption
and confusion is conspicuous. But is there a nation free from these? Let’s develop a
positive attitude towards India.
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Look forward to the next flag hoisting ceremony with enthusiasm.
Our national flag is simple yet attractive. To guard ourselves from the disrespect
that comes from ignorance, an understanding of the symbolism would be helpful.
The deep saffron colour at the top speaks of valour and sacrifice. White stands for truth,
purity and simplicity. The green represents our fertile land with vast nature resources.
The charka (wheel) with 24 spokes signifies motion, progress and dynamism. As you salute the
flag rededicate your self to these lofty values so the nation may be blessed and God glorified!
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Suresh Manoharan
The list of essays to follow
- Don't tax the tax man
- Employer satisfaction nay... delight
- Capital Punishment
- Environmental issues
- Social drinking?
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