In response to the looming crisis surrounding the “one nation under God,” debate, I wish to add this food for thought.

John Winthrop, the governor for the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1629, speaking of the newly found territory, was quoted as saying: “For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken and so cause him to withdraw his present help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword throughout the world.”

Concerned Christians who are protesting the removal of the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance are not protesting because they want their own way or to force people who live in America to worship God. They do so because they love and honor God, and fear that He would withdraw his help from our nation during a critical time when we need His protection the most. Like any shunned lover, He will not stay where He is not wanted.

If the majority of people in America want the words “under God” removed from the Pledge of Allegiance, it will happen. There is then nothing that we as Christians can do about it except spiritually prepare ourselves to live in a nation that has become a story and a byword throughout the world.

If this happens, do not fear because in spite of the wishes of the ungodly majority, the Lord will watch over His people as we are promised in the book of Psalms.

Please take to heart the words that Ben Franklin spoke to the Constitutional Congress in 1787: “In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection. Our prayers were heard and they were graciously answered … Have we now forgotten this powerful friend? Or do we no longer need his assistance?

I have lived a long time and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth: “That God governs the affairs of man and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”

KELLY CHRISTMAN

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