"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, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..." Before there existed a United States, there was a radical idea for a new nation. Jefferson captured this notion of a country founded on equality, individual rights and limited government in our Declaration of Independence. As happens to all great texts, the words Jefferson wrote have been twisted, stretched and bent to suit multiple agendas until they've lost all meaning. I believe in the values the Declaration proclaims; not because I'm an American, but because they agree with the principles of scripture. If you will indulge me, I'll tell you why I believe it.
First of all, these truths are self-evident. Any man examining life can know them; indeed will know them, if he but thinks on them. These truths are an appeal for all men to enjoy the fruit of the second commandment of Christ--love your neighbor as yourself. Who among us does not wish for himself life, liberty and happiness? What a godly man wishes for himself, he dare not deny to others. No man is completely free to live until all men are free. Christ had life within Himself and poured it out for all men to share.
In a fever to secure civil, reproductive, and sexual rights we have lost sight of what equality means. All men are not equal. Some are handsome; others ugly. Some are strong; others are weak. Some are tall; others are short. Some men have five talents, another has two and some of us have only one. We are all a unique blend of differences some of which are blessings and others hinderances. While we are not all equal---we were all created equal. The intrinsic worth of each and every soul is the same. As a living soul, the Nobel prize winner is worth no more than the homeless man living under the overpass. Jefferson's vision would also have all men equal before the law. This is not always the case in our legal system, but it is exactly that way before the judgement seat of God. Before God, it is not how much we have, but what we have done with what we have.
As beings of, we have rights which God has given us and no one may rightfully take away. The first of these is a right to life. Where have we heard that phrase before? This does not mean murders don't exist. It means murders trample upon the rights of God and their fellow man to deny both that which they take for themselves. If you would live; let live.
God created man and set him free to live according to dictates of his own heart. That man failed at this does not deny to all the right to live at liberty. Every man must be free to live as he chooses. This is no less true because we disagree with his choices. However, freedom to live as we choose is not the same thing as freedom to live without consequences. There are ways that seem right to men, but the end of them is eternal death. This is why Christians feel obligated to warn others away from the pitfalls of sin. It's not judgement; it's advice--and usually from one who has been there, done that.
Hand in hand with liberty goes the pursuit of happiness. We are free to try to be happy. We are not guaranteed success, but we are promised an opportunity to try. The important thing to note is that happiness is not tied to things or the circumstances of life. Happiness is within us and we are free to look for it. Men must find a way to be happy. Paul said that in every circumstance he faced he was able to find the means to be both content and inspired to do better. I think this is what real happiness is all about.
There are those who deny our country was founded on Christian principles. They do greatly err not knowing the scriptures, neither the power of God.
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