Why do so many Ohio District churches have both the Christian flag and the American flag in their sanctuaries?
Over the years I’ve asked church members why they have the American flag in the sanctuary. Here are four answers I have received:
- We are a patriotic church.
- It is a demonstration of our gratitude to God for our country.
- It is a reminder to pray for our country and our leaders.
- It’s always been in the sanctuary – I’m not sure why.
I have a Scriptural reason why a church might have both flags in the sanctuary. I see the flags as symbols of authority. The American flag reminds me that God has instituted civic authority, as we told in Romans chapter 13.
It might help to relate this authority to the first use of the law in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation: “First, the Law helps to control violent outbursts of sin and keeps order in the world (a curb).”
God has given the Church spiritual authority. This is especially seen in such Scripture passages as John 20, where Jesus breathes on the apostles and says, “…Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
This brings to mind the second use of the law in the Catechism: “Second, the Law accuses us and shows us our sin (a mirror).” Once the law does its work, we deeply desire to receive the Gospel found in Jesus.
When I see the two flags in the sanctuary, they remind me that God provides for all people, both through society and the Church.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 