By Jim MacDonald
When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution of the United States, they intended to design a government that would secure the freedom and liberty of the people. However, the Founders were aware that when power is granted to a person or group unrestrained, it will never satisfy the human desire for increased power.
John Adams wrote: The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our people in a greater measure than they have it now, they may change their rulers and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.
In Noah Webster’s American Dictionary (1828 edition), the word virtue means: Moral goodness; the practice of moral duties and the abstaining from vice; the practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and His laws, is virtue and religion. Virtue is nothing but voluntary obedience to the truth.
The Constitution instituted a republican form of government—one that limits the direct power of any person or group. Furthermore, each state established a republican structure of government, limiting power even more. Therefore, with each state operating as a republic, America has fifty separate republics within a republic.
This form of government has benefited America well. However, for this style of government to last and not be corrupted, it requires moral leadership chosen by a virtuous electorate. Herein lies the problem.
Over the last hundred years, the sincere love for God and His laws has dissipated among the majority of people. Consequently, obedience to truth has been eradicated, and complacency, licentiousness, loss of courage, and self-restraint have become prevalent. They indulge in self-gratification, decadence, pleasure pursuit, and sexual promiscuity.
History has proven time and time again that from there, the nation dies.
For America to survive, which no other nation has ever done: First, the people sovereign over the government must seek God’s face and pray for a spiritual revival. Next, we determine moral goodness and righteousness by reading and studying the Bible. Then live our lives and mentor others accordingly. From there, we’ll elect moral and virtuous representatives.
Meanwhile, we utilize the gift our Founders gave us in Article V of the Constitution to call a convention of states to propose amendments that will restore freedom and liberty to the people. The absolute and arbitrary power that has been usurped from the people must be returned. But note, only virtuous people will make that happen.
Suppose Americans, whose faith has made them resilient, will decide to overcome complacency and licentiousness and become self-restraint and courageous. In that case, they can be warriors for God and a Biblical citizen of America.
And a Biblical Citizen is necessary to obtain a lasting liberty.