Rally to the Standard: Following Christ in the Fight for Truth

A few years ago, my brother and I were hanging out one night and we went to a small business owned by a Chinese immigrant who called himself Richard. He was very proud to be in the process for citizenship and loved the freedom he had to operate his business, spend his money, worship, and express himself in this country. He openly shared about how restrictive his life in China had been, and told us of his family members still in China, who he was working to bring to the US. It was a really sweet conversation. When we left and got in the car, I commented to my brother that I felt such an emotional response to Richard’s story, and laughed about how much of a sensitive baby I was when it came to patriotism. My brother’s response stuck with me. He said, “Those aren’t just your emotions. That’s the Spirit. Richard just bore his testimony of the promised land to you, and it resonated because you also have a testimony of that.” 

I’m a very patriotic person, and I’ve come to understand that my personal love of country comes from a deep respect of the sacrifices made for our freedoms, and a reverence and belief in America as God’s Promised Land to His covenant people in the latter days. 

2 Nephi 1:5 says “We have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.”

The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, not because the land was far away, but because their hearts were far from God.

Lehi's family, too, had to leave behind their comforts and travel into the unknown, trusting God. They faced storms, rebellion, hunger, and conflict, but those who remained faithful were led to the promised land.

“Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land” —2 Nephi 1:9

I remember getting ready for school one morning, and standing on the top stair landing of my childhood home, listening to my mom who stood a story below, explain to me and my siblings that there had been a terrorist attack in New York City that morning, and that everyone on the planes, and almost everyone in the buildings had died. I was twelve, and despite not understanding the scale of the event, I will never forget where I was. You probably also remember where you were standing. I remember for the months following 9/11, there were flags everywhere. Every home, every store, every car, every party flew flags and played patriotic music. National unity was paramount, and even at age 12, I recall being deeply affected by such a powerful display of patriotism within my community. 

Now, visiting national monuments and memorials and learning about my nation’s history are particular interests of mine. As I moved through adolescence and into adulthood, I became fascinated with US history, and devoured books and movies portraying accounts of the various wars or notable periods of history that affected us as a nation. I’ve visited Pearl Harbor, the 9/11 memorial, the National Cemetery in Point Loma, and other historic US sites, and every time I am moved by the sacrifices given and the reverence shown. At each place, our flag is flown (sometimes in massive numbers) as a symbol of justice, peace, safety, purpose, solidarity, hope, courage, and unity.

These are not just patriotic values, they are also gospel values. As God’s covenant children living in His promised land, are we living beneath our privileges here, or are we living up to them? 

The flag should serve as a reminder of God’s blessings to the people of this land. Beyond the symbolic significance, there are practical purposes for the flag. Other names for flags include banner, standard, ensign, and colors. 

In battle, the flag of the country or another representative flag was brought to mark position, the location of the commander, and be a beacon to the troops and signal of encouragement. Different flags were used to send direction to the troops on the ground (such as retreat, advance, or surrender) when it was too noisy or far to hear verbal commands. There were special color guards whose sole duty was to protect the flags. If the flag was ever at risk of being captured by the enemy, it posed a risk to the whole military because in the enemy’s hands, it would disorient the troops and could attract forces toward ambush or other danger. 

Our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is all about a battle through a long night, and our exhausted soldiers looking for their flag by the light of bomb explosions for proof that the battle was not yet lost:

“And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there…”

Even in darkness and chaos, the flag still flying gave them hope. It meant the cause was still alive. The battle was still worth fighting.

In a spiritual sense, we are also in a battle. Not with flesh and blood—but with darkness, confusion, and evil (Ephesians 6:12). And just like in earthly wars, we too have a standard and ensign to look to that calls us to rise, to gather, to follow.

That standard is the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our commander.

Part II – The Gospel as Our Spiritual Banner

In the Book of Mormon, Captain Moroni understood this. When his people’s faith and freedoms were threatened, he tore his coat and created a sacred flag—the Title of Liberty. On it he wrote:

“In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.” (Alma 46:12)

It wasn’t just a war cry. It was a reminder to live up to their own covenants and privileges. Today, we use the word “standard” to describe the level of quality our lives and behavior should meet, and we cling to that standard to keep us close to Christ as we live among the world. 

The prophet Isaiah also foresaw a time when the Lord would set up a banner:

“And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel…” (Isaiah 11:12)

And in our hymn “High on the Mountain Top,” we echo Isaiah’s prophecy with hope and conviction:

“High on the mountain top A banner is unfurled. Ye nations now look up; It waves to all the world.”

The gospel is that banner. It is the standard of truth. In a world of shifting values, it does not move. It stands firm. It calls us to higher ground and signals that the battle is not, and will never be lost. 

Part III – Christ, Our Commander

In this spiritual war, we don’t fight alone. Jesus Christ is our leader—our Captain and Commander.

Christ leads us not with fear, but with truth, love, and eternal clarity. He calls us to rally to His standard, to trust Him, to defend the colors in a confused and fallen world. 

As disciples, we fight for light and truth. We take up our spiritual armor and lift our eyes to Him. We are called to live in a paradox: unwavering in our convictions yet overflowing with compassion as ambassadors of the Promised Land.

And when we feel tired, confused, or overwhelmed, like the soldiers we sing about in the national anthem, we look to the banner for positional direction and hope. 

Conclusion – Will We Raise His Flag?

In every generation, the Lord asks His people to choose which flag they will follow.

The world raises many banners—of pridefulness, convenience, vice, impulse, selfishness, and distraction. But our flags, both the literal flag of this country and the symbolic standard of the gospel, stand for faith, fellowship, selflessness, obedience, discipline, covenant, and bravery. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just our personal beliefs—it’s our public declaration. When we live our covenants, when we speak truth in love, when we defend goodness—we are saying: “This is my banner. This is the cause I live and die for.”

So like the soldiers who saw their flag “still there [...] by the dawn’s early light” may the world see that our faith is still flying—in our homes, in our choices, and in our hearts.