One of the fun things about being an Assemblies of God US missionary is traveling around to different churches and seeing how they do church. The other day we visited a church that I loved! Their order of service was slightly different than most, making it very fresh and enjoyable. One of the things they included in their service was a weekly recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible.
While many may not be familiar with this pledge, having grown up in a Christian school where we recited it daily, it was a blast from the past.
I pledge allegiance to the Bible,
God's Holy Word,
I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
and will hide its words in my heart
that I might not sin against God.
What powerful words of commitment!
Since that day, I wondered if it isn’t time that this pledge makes a comeback. Even if reciting it isn’t a daily ritual, I truly believe it needs to become a resolution inside believers' hearts.
In a culture that tells us there is no absolute truth—you have your truth, and I have mine...
When many are promoting the teaching, the Bible is irrelevant and no longer applies to our modern era....
When wrong is celebrated, and righteousness is condemned...
Now more than ever, followers of Christ need to pledge their allegiance to God’s Word—not just in words but in steadfast dedication of heart.
We need to remember that the Bible isn’t just a book. It is filled with the very words of God.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Inside of it is the path to salvation, the key to life today and all of eternity.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16
It isn’t just a philosophy or nice idea—It is the absolute truth.
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:17
When we live by its words, we are blessed. When we ignore or disobey it, we suffer the consequences of our sin.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:9 ESV
The Bible contains everything we need to navigate this life and prepare for eternity.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
It is our GPS for life, our light in the darkness, and our guidebook for living.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 9:7-11 ESV
Even though many inside and outside of the church reject God’s Word, the faithful followers of Jesus embrace it.
We love it.
We recognize it for what it is—the Word of God given to lead man to God and His ways.
Its words are powerful. They are truth, and they apply to every area of our lives.
As citizens of Heaven, we need to pledge our allegiance to read God’s Word, to understand it, to hide it in our hearts, and most importantly, to obey it.
Whether or not we use the actual pledge, in our hearts, each of us needs to make this determination every day:
I pledge allegiance to the Bible,
God's Holy Word,
I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
and will hide its words in my heart
that I might not sin against God.
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
