Over the last few weeks, the issue with the Confederate flag has escalated to a point where it is nearly impossible to go out in public without seeing Christians and non-Christians alike flying the flag high and proud. The debate has continued to rage over what the flag truly stands for, with flag supporters claiming that it is simply a symbol of Southern heritage, while others maintain the belief that it is a symbol of racism and hate. However, for Christians, the true meaning of the flag should be irrelevant. What should truly matter to Christians is how the flag is viewed by others, and there can be no mistaking that many see it as a symbol of hate, which has no place within Christianity.
As Christians, we are called to be symbols of the love that was and is displayed by Jesus Christ. So why, as Christians, would we choose to fly a flag that to many, symbolizes hate? To the people that have a negative reaction to the flag, a Christian flying the flag represents the very opposite of what we are suppose to stand for. This is very dangerous thing as it causes people to question the authenticity of Christianity when we, the people who preach love, fail to show it. We fail as symbols of Christ when we put our pride in a piece of fabric over our responsibility to truly care for the well-being and feelings of others. Even if it was just one single person that viewed the flag as a symbol of hate, then shouldn't we, as Christians, make sure that we never fly the flag again?
Maybe the Confederate flag truly is only a symbol of Southern pride and has no sinister meaning at all. Whether it does or does not is completely irrelevant. What should matter to Christians is that is it is symbol of pain and suffering to a large group of people. It is for this very reason that we, as Christians, should put aside our personal beliefs and simply care for the feelings and well-being of of our fellow man. Ask yourself, "Is a flag and foolish pride really worth the risk of turning someone away from Christianity forever?"
