Would Jesus Take A Knee Or Salute For National Anthem?

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear”
Matt 11:15

I know a hot button topic seems to be the issue of sports players taking a knee instead of saluting to the National Anthem. One side argues one point the other argues another and others simply don’t know what to believe. As a battle of wills, past pain, and tensions running high there may be another perspective to consider.
I believe I have been made aware that a spirit of division has been released and amplified by the media regarding many issues including this one. “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” Matt. 7:16-17 The spirit behind what we are adrressing here brings with it anger, hatred, bitterness, stubbornness, pride, rebellion, hurt, offense and many others. It is written “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12

This is not the spirit of the Lord. These are not His characteristics. I think the best example of His love for human kind is verse John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The spirit of division is deceitful. 1 Tim 4:1 states “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits..”

We need to be careful which spirit we stand behind and align ourselves with. Which fire will you fuel? The spirit of peace, love, kindness, equality, one of forgiveness? Or a spirit of offense, rebellion, pride, hurt and offense? I am reminded of where it states in Joshua 24:15“…choose this day whom you will serve…” as it is applied in todays context.

We need extra wisdom and discernment backed by a love for all people in these last days. Keeping our eyes on Jesus not on the troubles of this dark world for as it says in Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
I urge you all to be a beacon of love and peace in this world as an example of Christ to the lost and hurting.
Blessings to you all as you prayerfully consider these words for I have not written to fuel any anger but to bring perspective from a Christ centered, Holy Spirit lead outlook.