In the United States, most children are taught to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, and to the nation for which it stands, under G-d, with their right hand over their heart as manifesting a sense of patriotism toward their country. The same pledge is said at the beginning of sporting events such as football games, as if the game defined the term “American” – that is, to say, it would suggest one is un-American not to recite the pledge.
   In the history of the United States, many people have shed their blood and even lost their lives for the stars and stripes. This is how deep their service goes for their country – believing in the core principles taught them in their youth, so much so, they are willing to sacrifice their very lives if asked to defend those principles. And such it is for those of any other country, too. Yes, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.

The Spirit of Tradition has Crept into His Body
   It is from this very early training, that children are taught to call upon the replacement titles “l-rd” and “G-d,” and the hybrid name, “J-sus.” The practice of Sunday worship and observance of pagan holidays is also instilled in the minds of the youth, and to depart from such practices would be sacrilege and blasphemy. It is seldom that one will forsake his traditions to embrace truth, but for those who do, there is the promise of everlasting life through Messiah Yahshua.
   For now, the kingdoms of this world are Satan’s and he places them in the hands of those he chooses to do his bidding (Matt. 4:8-9). But Scripture tells us that Satan is the father of lies and that he comes but to steal, kill, and to destroy (John 10:10). His children do the same, regardless of the flag to which they pledge allegiance.
   Nations and states represent division resulting in war. Rather than working together for peace, greed and superiority seek to dominate those who are weaker. This is Satan’s doing and many are blinded by the darkness which surrounds them.

To Whom is Your Allegiance?
   In listening to a man recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, I stopped him and asked him, “Don’t you mean, ‘under Yahweh’? Don’t you want to give your allegiance to a country ‘under Yahweh’?” But like so many others who refuse the Sacred Names, he continued on with the pledge, refusing to part from the tradition he had learned.
   It is here that I ask the all-important question – “To whom do you give your service? Is it to Satan, or it is to Yahweh? Elijah (EliYah) asked the same question. (See our mini-study, This Is the EliYah Message). If you say you’re a servant of Yahweh, are your actions in accord? That is, have you given Him your whole heart, mind, and soul – seeking to do those things which please Him?
   The Psalmist said, You have given a banner to them that fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth, Psalm 60:4. And Isaiah 49:22-23 reads, Thus says my Sovereign Yahweh, “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the gentiles and set up My standard to the people: and they shall bring your sons in [their] arms, and your daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders. And kings shall be your nursing fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers: they shall bow down to you with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet: and you shall know that I [am] Yahweh: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me.”
   Yahweh’s banner, His standard, the flag bearing His Name, represents the Way of Truth, the Way of Peace, and the Way of Love. His servants serve Him alone and are not double minded as are the children of the world – professing to love “G-d” and yet walk in willful disobedience. For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of Elohim overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, [even] our faith, 1 John 5:3-4.
   You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind is stayed [on thee]: because he trusts in You. Trust in Yahweh forever: for in Yahweh is everlasting strength, Isaiah 26:2-4.
   It is through Yahweh and Him alone that one is able to enter into Yahweh’s kingdom; He alone has made atonement for sin; and it is He alone Who provides the wedding garment of fine white linen. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which He shed on us abundantly through Yahshua Messiah our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, Titus 3:5-7.
   Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints, Revelation 19:7-8.

Conclusion
   As we draw ever closer to the final day of redemption, may we take the time to examine ourselves to see to whom we are giving our allegiance. Have we given ourselves totally to Yahweh? Or are we sitting on the fence, half-committed – having a form of righteousness, but denying the power thereof? (1 Tim. 3:5). Whom do we cheer – our favorite sports team or Yahweh with songs of praise?
   Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet [water] and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh, James 3:11-12.
   Choose you this day whom you will serve. For today is the day of salvation and tomorrow may be too late. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other; you cannot serve Yahweh and mammon, Matthew 6:24.