The Gonfalonier

Gonfalonier, now there’s a word that has fallen out of use. Literally, it means a standard bearer – one who carries a flag or banner, for example. It later evolved into a prestigious position in hierarchical circles. Back in the days of more hand-to-hand combat, the soldiers would stay close to the gonfalonier in combat, and of course the raised flag would make him much easier to see. From thus comes the old battle cry, “Rally ‘round the flag boys!”

We’re in the midst of our country’s most patriotic season, what with Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. We’ll see a lot of our flag. It still has great meaning!

In Numbers 2, we are told that each of the twelve tribes of Israel had their own banner or standard. Psalm 20:5 informs us, “We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!” (NKJV).

The term is also used metaphorically. “Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). Psalm 60:4 speaks similarly, “You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.”

Isaiah 11:10 foretells, “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” Jesus says of Himself, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

I’ve often wondered at the extra bit of courage a soldier needed to become the flag-bearer. The enemy is fast approaching with guns and swords and all he would have is a pole with a flag on it. I’m sure many wanted to do it because of the honor of bearing the flag, but how many died for that honor.

We quickly observe in the scriptures that The-Lord-Is-My-Banner, though an excellent statement about our relationship with God, was not a guarantee of the defense of our earthly lives. In fact, many “had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9). It is still happening in our evil world.

In fact, it falls on all Christians to hold up our Banner, Jesus, for all in this evil world to see. Yes, it takes great courage sometimes, but that is why Jesus said, in warning Christians of the approaching life-threating situations, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b).

What is your level of honor in wearing the name of Christ? Do you have the faith and courage to face any threatening occasion that may come your way because of the One whose name we are lifting up? Are you a faithful gonfalonier?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

How Do You Look?

Do you sneak a peek? At a mirror at your friend’s house or maybe in a store window, you see your reflection and can’t help thinking, “I’m looking good today!”

Sometimes that extra long look will get us into trouble. The football receiver breaks free and is sprinting toward the end zone and looks up at the scoreboard screen and . . . would like to do a little pose. After all, it’s his big moment. What actually happens is he gets tackled at the five-yard-line because he slowed down – to look at himself.

We’ve been using this video conferencing at South Stokes for our worship services and Bible classes during the virus shut-down. One neat thing is I can see myself and actually tell if my tie is straight or not. However, if I am showing visual aids during the sermon, the video of me speaking is on the side of my screen. Do you know what is impossible to do? Shoot a glance at myself and not have everyone notice I’m not looking at the camera lens.

This natural interest we have in ourselves (Ephesians 5:29) can be damaging, which sounds paradoxical. After all, aren’t we supposed to be paying attention to ourselves to see how we’re doing?

One of the basic tenets of Christ’s teachings is unselfishness. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26 NKJV). Challenging stuff, right, but when you consider the greatest commandments, they involve diverting attention from ourselves to others. “Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’” (Mark 12:29-31).

We soon find that we’re having a hard time living for Christ, if we’re absorbed in ourselves. “But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). We not only shut up our hearts to those who need us, but sometimes we’re not even seeing their needs, because our focus is in the mirror. (Isn’t that the cause of rudeness, too?)

So, let’s allow Jesus to motivate us. “For the love of Christ compels us . . . and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). That’s powerful. Can we live up to it?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

"I Can Get Three F's and Still Not Fail"

     Those were the words I overheard one time from a group of middle school youngsters who were just starting the school year. It seems one of their number was new to the school district and her friends were informing her of how easy it was to succeed. I’m sure she was thrilled to know she could fail three classes and not need to repeat seventh grade.

     But is that really succeeding? Most of us realize immediately that one of the problems of our culture is there are so many who are satisfied with minimum effort. Lackadaisical students too often become irresponsible adults. Parents, teachers and even our government are forever trying to find ways to change this pattern at an early age.

     What about the church? How would you sum up your desires to serve the Lord? If you could, would you ask God what is the least that you could do to gain that eternal heavenly home? While I’ve never heard any Christian admit such a desire, it’s obviously being practiced. What motivates you to serve God?

     Our greatest motive to serve is in response to what God has done for us. “Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you” [1 Samuel 12:24]. Heaven isn’t a paycheck we receive for a life of labor. It’s a home we look forward to spending an eternal holiday in with our spiritual family. First century Christians got tired out, too. The message to inspire them was also one of responding: “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” [Hebrews 12:3].

     So, what’s it going to be for you? Are you “pressing on” [Philippians 3:14] or figuring out ways to do the bare minimum? Are you “fervent in spirit” [Acts 18:25] or “lukewarm” [Revelation 3:16]? Are you “diligent” [Hebrews 6:11, 11:6] or “sluggish” [Hebrews 6:12]? Can you join with Paul in saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” [2 Timothy 4:7‑8]? If not, I hope you make it your goal TODAY to turn things around. Become one of those whose life is a response to God like those who “loved His appearing.”

Jeff Greene