A Biblical View of the Confederate Flag

You cannot deny that America is changing quickly. There are strong and dangerous currents flowing through our country. As a pastor, I’m very concerned. I worry about PCC that we not be swept away by these powerful currents. They are swift and unpredictable. Most Christians will agree, Satan is successfully ripping this country apart.

For this reason, I want to address the Confederate Flag debate. It’s a controversial subject. I realize this topic has the potential to affect my church and that is why I am sharing my thoughts before I see any division come to my congregation as it has to our country.

Before I am an American, I am a Christian. A Christ follower. My citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). So like everything in my life, I want to apply the principles of God’s Word. If we can understand how God thinks and how God feels, then it will help align our perception on how we should view issues like this in our culture.

Aside from it affecting my Church, I do not have any feelings either way on the flag. I think that is good because I can address it without being emotional either way. If you will allow me, let me speak to this contentious subject using God’s Word.

What does the Bible say about issues like the Confederate Flag?
The Bible does address complex subjcets like the one we are facing with flying this Flag. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul deals with a divisive issue. Paul’s controvery would not be divisive in our culture, but neither would a rebel flag have been divisive in his culture. Therefore, the subject of the controversy is not as important as the principle.

So in 1 Corinthians 8, Paul writes to a group of Christians who strongly feel they have a “right” to eat whatever foods they want, even though that “right” is offensive to other believers. Now understand what I’m saying, I’m not talking about standing up for your rights, I’m not even talking about government tyranny. I’m talking about offending your brother in Christ. This is a Church issue more than a cultural issue for me.

While Paul acknowledges that this group of people had a “right” to eat what they wanted, he still gives them a strong word of caution…the same I want to give those who are passionate about flying their flag. Listen to what he says in 1 Cor. 8:9, “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block…” In the same way, I want to encourage you to consider the principle of this verse.

I’m not saying you don’t have a right to fly the flag. Indeed you do. But is it the right thing to do when you may be offending your brother? Even if you feel passionate over your heritage, be careful that you do not do it in a way, that as Paul said, “…somehow becomes a stumbling block.” This issue has the potential cause others to stumble.

Is your heritage more important than evangelism?
I know what some are saying right now as you read this. “You don’t understand. It’s just about my heritage.” Okay, I can see that. But let me ask you this, as a Christ follower, is your heritage more important than winning people to Christ? If so, then you clearly love your heritage more than the gospel and that is a problem. You may be “God-Fearing”, but if you’re truly born again, nothing in your life can interfere with the Gospel reaching others.

Why those who came for the Flag will come for the Bible
The same way that the government, the media, retail outlets and the general population came to take the Confederate Flag…they will come for the Bible as well.

So let me say to those of you who are angry because some are passionate about flying the Confederate flag and you hate that they are doing this. If you are a Christian (because again, all of this is written to Christians), the same way they came for the Confederate Flag, they will come for your Bible!

It will not be long before people begin to say, “The Bible is offensive.” “The Bible belongs in a museum.” Amazon, Walmart and other retail giants will pull it from their shelves. People will say its “hurtful, harmful and bigoted.”

If places like Amazon are going to ban the Confederate Flag but still carry Nazi Swastika’s then that shows that there is a clear agenda being played out. They will be the same people who will remove Scripture yet carry Qurans. Mark my words on this.

So if you’re someone who is deeply offended by the Confederate Flag, I want to encourage you to first be understanding. Most people passionate about the rebel flag really are about heritage and not hate. Second, be forgiving. It’s okay if we as Americans are offended. It’s not the end of the world. You may not agree. I may not agree. But there should be no room for division or hatred. It is people’s right to fly whatever flag they wish. Lastly, be on guard because this culture will come for the Bible as well.

If you have anger or division in your heart toward your brother or sister in Christ because they support the rebel flag, what will we do when they come for our Bibles? If we will not come together now, we will be pressed together later…sooner than later! Be understanding. Be forgiving. Show grace even when you disagree.

Those in PCC who support the Flag
Once again, for those in PCC who insists on flying their flag, well, you are an American. You have the right to what you want without government interference. But is your “right” Biblically right? I don’t care if you support the rebel flag. But I do care if you do it in a way that is a spiritual stumbling block. If you insist on sounding off on Facebook, please consider your brothers and sisters who may feel very different.

Oh you may say, “Pastor Chad, they just don’t know history.” Maybe that is the case. But that didn’t matter to Paul. He addressed the same issue with the Corinthian Church in 1 Cor. 8:1. Some had “knowledge” what they were doing and they used that an excuse. Paul said, that knowledge “puffs up while love builds up.”

So I am encouraging you my brothers and sisters in Christ. Make sure you are building one another up in love…not being prideful, even if it is over heritage.

Those in PCC offended by the Flag
I realize there are many who are offended by those who support the Flag. To you, I would simply say this…Stop taking offense! It is ridiculous how offended we get as Americans. I’m not saying that it is not a serious subject. But I am saying it has not place in the Church. Let our government hash it out. Let them fight, quarrel and be divisive. Don’t bring it into the Church!

So what do you do with a brother who is offending you by supporting the flag? Ephesians 4:2-3 tells us how to handle situations like this, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” That is great advice! You can be humble, gentle and patient with your brother.

Realize that people will never agree and love people with the love of Christ. You may not understand. You may shake your head. But you can love everyone with the love of Christ.

Where I stand on this Controversy
It’s difficult for me. Because as I said earlier, I do believe that they will attack the Bible in the same way they attacked the Confederate Flag. Even at that, you will not see me flying the flag. Do you know why? Because of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:13, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”

For me, that simplifies it. Can you fly your flag? Sure! It’s America! But you’re also a Christ follower! Be mindful of how you fly your flag that not cause a stumbling of your fellow Christ follower.