Unalienable Rights - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This monumental document of the United States of America spells out to the world the justification for the creation of our new country.

Schoolchildren in some parts of America are still required to memorize this landmark document because it summarizes much of what we still believe about ourselves. The people who founded the United States of America recognized God and appealed to this Divine Being for help. In God We Trust makes complete sense as a motto for those people of the Eighteenth Century as well as those in the Twenty First Century.

Just as today, there were members of American society back in those early days who were not people of faith. Nevertheless, they understood that this country was established as a safe haven for believers in God. The Bible and the One God of the Bible has always held a place of the highest honor in every part of our country. Whenever we remember the words Let Freedom Ring, we remember that this Freedom is the Freedom to serve the true and Living God.

We place trust in our Creator whenever we make important decisions regarding our Life. We are accountable first of all to God for the choices we make regarding Life. Long ago Solomon spelled out the reason for the Proverbs. "For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair." (Proverbs 1:3 NIV) Young people when making life changing decisions about Life, choose to follow your Creator first, and then you will have a clear conscience about your choices.

Jesus of Nazareth taught the Disciples about why he came to the earth. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10b NIV) Christ wants us to have an abundant life. This abundant life can be found by giving yourself wholeheartedly in service to your fellow citizens. Some people are choosing to give their life in the war against international terrorism. Some are giving their life in world evangelism. Many people find their life by giving it away to others in service.

Liberty is something that citizens of America seem to have over most people of the world. People of the Soviet Union and other nations dominated by Communism lived each day as if they were under martial law. Many social leaders in Russia are concerned about the new perception of Freedom without values. Some social planners in China are looking to the West for help in teaching moral values to people who are increasingly consumed with Western style freedom, but without recognizing any prohibitions.

The right to Liberty means that we must respect the rights of all other citizens to pursue their Liberties. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV) Those who hunger the most for Liberty are those under the bondage of sin. They often live in horrible conditions brought upon themselves by their disobedience to God.

The Pursuit of Happiness is possible in America like in no other country of the world. This pursuit is open to all citizens of any race, color, creed or language. This does not means that you are allowed to pursue something that brings you Happiness even if it hurts your neighbor. That is why we have property laws regarding ownership of personal and real property. Even though I may think it will make me happy by ignoring your property rights, the laws of our country do not allow it. "To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. (Ecclesiastes 2:26f NIV) If you are sincere in your pursuit of happiness, then figure out how to please God who gives you life. God Bless America!

You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com.