For the past four years, I have noticed a large United States flag as I drive by a certain house. It is mounted on a tall pole, and usually flying in the breeze as I pass by. I feel a sense of pride when I see it, waving nobly as a symbol of the freedom we enjoy in this country.

After flying there for a long time, I saw that the flag had faded slightly from the sun, although it still looked beautiful. After a few more weeks, I was saddened to see that the “non-stop” east winds we had during the first few weeks of January had shredded the flag into ribbons. It was tattered and torn. For several weeks it remained in that condition, and as I drove by it I thought, I wonder if I should purchase a new flag and give it to those folks to display?

Before I could act on my thoughts, I saw a man in uniform, standing straight and proud, in front of the house. He was holding a folded flag in his hands as he waited for the homeowner to remove the tattered flag. Since then, a beautiful new “Star-Spangled Banner” has been waving proudly from the tall pole.

As an American, I appreciate seeing our flag lifted high. However, there is a more important banner that we as Christians should be waving, and that is the Banner of the Cross. With Jesus’ return drawing closer, we must strive to hold it high and wave it proudly. We are soldiers of the Cross, and it is our privilege and duty to stand tall and bear His message to all who will hear it. This banner represents salvation and hope to whoever will surrender to God and pledge their allegiance to Him.

Through the ages, the enemy has tried to tear down and destroy the Banner of the Cross, but it is still waving as strongly as ever, leading sinners to Calvary and the truth of the Gospel. May we be ever more diligent to lift up the Gospel banner and point lost souls to Christ, always remembering that His return will be soon.