Craig Clouston

Take a Stand

Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Psalm 94:16

At the beginning of the 2011 U.S. Open, NBC broadcast a lead-in meant to stir the hearts of patriotic Americans. With flags flying in the breeze and soldiers standing at attention, a group of children held their hands over their hearts and recited the ‘Pledge of Allegiance.’

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” They paused, and the picture cut from the children to soldiers standing at attention, saluting our Nation’s most honored symbol.

“And to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation…” There was a discernible sense of pride on the faces of the children as they took the sacred pledge. The pause lingered, the viewers awaited the declaration of the real reason for our freedom…

“With liberty and justice for all.” the kids proudly proclaimed.

And with that the announcer began NBC’s coverage of the U.S. Open Championship.

†

“Under God” had been cut from the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ not once, but twice. Sadly, NBC had removed the most important statement in the ‘Pledge’ on purpose. Within minutes the telephone switchboard had overloaded, and their email mailbox was full from the responses of true Americans.

In their feeble apology an hour later, NBC stated, “Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

Funny, but no one mentioned that the word “indivisible” had also been edited. The reason? By cutting ‘under God’, NBC was trying to render our United States divided, so they couldn’t use it either.

And in truth, we are no longer ‘one nation, under God.’ We have been effectively divided by godless enterprises and ideologies that hate God.

But unless you are willing to take a stand with God, as David did in today’s text, remain quiet. No one wants your opinion.

I hope that statement makes you angry…angry enough to take action.

Prayer

“God, I am sorry for not standing up for You and this great Nation. I re-pledge my allegiance to You. Open doors for me and give me another opportunity to speak on Your behalf. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”