America at 250: Can We Keep It?

America at 250: Can We Keep It?

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we honor far more than the birth of a nation. We celebrate one of history's greatest experiments in human freedom.

In 1776, in our Declaration of Independence, the Founders declared a revolutionary idea: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."

Notice where our rights originate.

Not from kings.

Not from Congress.

Not from the courts.

Our rights come from our Creator.

Government did not create them. Government was created to protect them. That simple truth made America's founding unique among the nations that had come before it.

But the Founders understood something else that is often forgotten today. Freedom cannot survive on documents alone. It depends upon the character of the people.

Let's examine five principles they believed were essential for a free people to remain free.

1. Liberty Requires Moral Citizens John Adams wrote: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Adams understood that no Constitution can replace personal character. If citizens cannot govern themselves, government eventually will attempt to govern every aspect of their lives.

Self-government begins - with self-control.

Rights - require responsibility.

Liberty - requires virtue.

2. Religion and Morality Sustain Free Government George Washington reminded the nation in his Farewell Address: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Washington shared that freedom depends upon an internal moral compass.

Without integrity, honesty, and personal responsibility, laws alone will not preserve liberty.

3. Knowledge Protects Liberty James Madison observed: "The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."

An uninformed people - become vulnerable.

Citizens who no longer understand their history, their Constitution, or the principles of liberty are easily persuaded by promises that sound attractive but may ultimately weaken the freedoms they cherish.

Education is not simply preparation for employment.

It is preparation for citizenship.

4. Government Protects Rights; It Did Not Create Them. 

The Declaration of Independence continues: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men..."

Notice the sequence. God grants our rights. Government protects those rights.

When that order is reversed, freedom becomes dependent upon those who temporarily hold political power rather than upon these enduring principles.

5. Every Generation Must Preserve Liberty.

As the Constitutional Convention concluded, Benjamin Franklin was asked what form of government had been created. He replied: "A republic, if you can keep it."

His famous reply still challenges every generation. Franklin understood that America's greatest danger would not always come from foreign enemies. It could come from citizens who gradually forgot the principles upon which our Republic was founded.

3 Questions Worth Asking Today

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, each of us should ask & answer these 3 questions:

1)      If citizens lose the habit of governing themselves, what role will government eventually assume? Government fills the void left when we do not govern ourselves.

2)      If we expect government to solve every problem, what responsibilities are we surrendering ourselves? Will total government protect your freedom or protect itself?

3)      If we allow political opponents to become enemies instead of fellow citizens, what happens to our constitutional republic? And, how will our enemies exploit this division? These are not questions for one political party. They are questions for every American.

The Founders expected disagreement. They also expected Americans to preserve the constitutional principles that made peaceful disagreement possible.

What is Our Responsibility?

As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, the question is not whether our Constitution is strong enough.

The better question is: Are we the people strong enough?

Remember, that statement from Benjamin Franklin: "A republic, if you can keep it." Keeping it begins long before Election Day.

It begins in our homes. It begins in our churches. It begins in our schools. It begins in our communities. And, it also begins in our own hearts.

Every American can help preserve this remarkable experiment in self-government by making these 7 personal commitments.

1.      Learn the principles upon which our nation was founded.

2.      Live with integrity, self-discipline, and personal responsibility.

3.      Teach your children and grandchildren not only their rights, but also their responsibilities that protect those rights.

4.      Serve your family, your community, and your country before serving yourself.

5.      Respect those whom you disagree with, remembering that today's opponent is still your fellow citizen.

6.      Participate thoughtfully by voting, staying informed, and contributing to your community.

7.      Protect the freedoms entrusted to us—not only for ourselves, but for generations yet to come.

Freedom has never been self-sustaining. Every generation must choose whether it will merely enjoy liberty…or preserve it.

The Founders gave us a…Constitution. They could not give us…Character. That responsibility belongs to us.

The future of America will not be determined solely in Washington, DC.

It will be determined in millions of American homes where parents teach responsibility. Where citizens choose integrity over convenience. Where neighbors serve one another. And, where people understand that liberty survives only when free people willingly govern themselves.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to becoming the kind of citizens the Founders believed a constitutional republic requires.

Because the greatest gift we can leave the next generation is not…greater comfort. It is…greater freedom.

And freedom survives only when good people accept the responsibility to preserve it.

Thus, remember this truth: Self-government always begins with self-control and personal responsibility.     

That is the legacy we must preserve.

So, Happy Birthday, America! And, may God continue to bless our country…and each of our citizens!