Pledge Allegiance

Intro

*Open with story of saying “Pledge of Allegiance” every day at school in Texas*

What should I do? I was a Canadian; and loved it

*Refer to accent and “canadian bacon” drum corp nickname*

In the end, I just stood up to be respectful, but never said the words

Because that was not where my allegiance lay

So many of our fears are tied to competing allegiances in our life

Not earthly nations, but a competition of kingdoms

Read Matthew 6:31-33 and pray

What Are You Striving For?

Define “seek”

Not to search for something that is hidden, but to pursue something

Good translation = strive after

*Bryan striving after becoming a doctor*

The kingdom of earth

Physical, tangible… and temporary

Demands our attention because it is right here, right now

But ultimately will leave us unsatisfied:

Can never deliver everything we need

Is here today, but will be gone tomorrow

Many people strive after this kingdom

Jesus calls them “Gentiles”

Not referring to a specific religious or cultural group; represents everyone who does not know the Heavenly Father

Fear, worry and anxiety are a normal part of the striving for things of this world

Because we NEED them, and don’t have anyone else to trust to provide

The kingdom of heaven

Spiritual, intangible… and eternal

Often downplay this kingdom, because we can’t experience it the same way

But spiritual does not mean less real:

Will fulfill us in the way God designed (never leave us lacking)

Is here today and will continue forever

How can we strive for the kingdom of God?

Cf. Matthew 6:7-10.

Striving for the kingdom of God is to find and do the will of God

“Righteousness” - living out the will of God

2 important questions: What is the will of God? How can I help accomplish it?

Read Scripture and pray to discover the character and will of God

Live like Jesus and point people to Him

This can bring heaven to earth

Allegiance and Fear

Fear can be found in mixed allegiances

Welch, p. 109; 114

Sure, Jesus secures my spot in heaven but:

I provide for my family

The medical system will ensure I stay healthy

Wise choices will limit danger in my life

Can we trust in Jesus for our financial stability, health and safety?

Jesus is calling people to quit straddling the fence; where is your allegiance?

Financial test: If you are worried about your finances, are you generous?

Do you tithe to the church? (kingdom of God at work)

Do you sponsor a child (use your resources to help others)

Or do you cling tightly to your money so it can serve you in the here and now?

Time test: If you deal with social anxiety, do you serve others?

Do you volunteer at church?

Do you give your time away to help others in need?

Or does your use of time show that you keep it for your own fulfillment and comfort?

Health test: If you are fearful about personal health, who owns your body?

Do you remember that your body is now a temple of Holy Spirit?

Everything you do to maintain your health should be an act of worship, not self-preservation

Or do you lean solely on the medical system to keep you alive?

.... as long as the ER is open *face palm*

Our fears are the symptom; kingdom allegiances are getting to the root cause

Refer back to first sermon: Fears reveal what we love and trust

One step further: What we love and trust reveals where our allegiance truly lies

In order to properly deal with the root cause of fear, we must begin with pledging allengiance to the kingdom of God

The King above all kings:

Offers peace between the pillars of His goodness and control

Gives us grace for today, and all the days that we rely on Him

Promises to care for what we need in the life (not just the life to come)

All These Things Will Be Added

Not necessarily an either/or

Though there will certainly be times when the kingdom of earth will be in opposition to the kingdom of God

God is aware and interested in providing for you here on earth

Use King Solomon as a biblical example:

Cf. 1 KIngs 3:13.

Primary allegiance is established (wisdom/doing the will of God)

God gifts things of this world in addition; both/and

Wisdom and wealth

Doing the will of God and necessities of life

Conclusion

At the outset, we learned to look fear in the eye because our fears reveal what we love and what we trust

Today we established that what we love and what we trust now reveals our true allegiance

In order to have victory over fear, we must pledge allegiance to the kingdom of God

That means trusting God to care for us and supply what we need

Actively, it means we strive after the will of God and live it out daily

When our allegiance is firmly given to Christ, our fears in the kingdom of earth will begin to fade into the background

Pray

Take it Home:

What are you striving for?

Test your allegiances by looking at how you spend your time and money.

Pledge allegiance to the kingdom of God by finding and doing His will.