Why Some People Might Put More Value in Flags and Leaders Than in Their Faith
It’s easy to see how passionate people can get about politics these days. For some conservative Christians, especially those on the right, their support for the flag, political leaders, or their chosen party can sometimes seem even stronger than their devotion to God. But is that what faith is really about?
Putting Things Into Perspective
At the heart of Christianity is the belief in God as the source of all life, hope, and purpose. Faith, for many, means trusting in something bigger than themselves—something that doesn’t change with elections or political headlines. Yet, in today’s climate, it sometimes appears that loyalty to country, certain leaders, or political groups takes center stage.
Why Does This Happen?
· Community and Belonging: Politics and national symbols like the flag give people a sense of unity—a feeling that they are part of something bigger.
· Influence of Leaders: Charismatic political figures can inspire strong loyalty. Their words and actions feed into people’s hopes and fears, sometimes more than spiritual teachings do.
· Social Media and News: The constant stream of political news can drown out messages of faith, making politics seem more urgent or important.
· Mixing Patriotism with Faith: In some circles, being a good Christian is linked with being a good patriot. The two get so tangled up that it’s hard to tell them apart.
What’s Missing?
When the focus shifts so much to politics, there’s a risk of missing what Christianity is really about: loving others, seeking truth, and living with purpose beyond what happens in the halls of government. The Bible teaches that God is the source of real life, not any flag or politician.
A Gentle Reminder
It’s natural to care about the country and to want good things for society. But if faith becomes more about who someone votes for, or which flag they salute, than about their relationship with God, something important might be getting lost along the way. It’s worth taking a step back and asking: What do I put first? Is it my beliefs, or my politics?
Conclusion
In the end, faith is meant to be about trusting in something eternal. Flags, leaders, and politics are part of life, but they aren’t the source of real hope or meaning. For those who follow Christianity, it might help to remember that God, not politics, is where life starts and where it finds true purpose.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 