These words comprise the “Preamble” to the Declaration of Independence from the then Tyrannical Rule of the United Kingdom over the United States of America.
This is a simple message, never-the-less, let us not forget that these “Self-evident” truths are fragile.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
What struck me most about this “Preamble” is the use of the word “Inalienable”. In essence is means: Non-Negotiable, Absolute (To see my Blog on Absolutes click here.), and Unquestioning. In issuing this Preamble our forefathers are saying that these “truths” apply to all the World, not just this union of 13 colonies. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is for everyone, and it is an Absolute. Of course, not everyone, or more explicitly, not every Nation, believes this. Maybe not even many in our own Nation. Let’s break this down this statement and explore each Word for its truth.
Life
Currently in the United States, not everyone has the right to Life. Check out our abortion laws. The unborn child has no rights. How about our trend toward Euthanasia (Death on Demand)? Fox News reported: “In 2022, there were 13,241 MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying – Euthanasia’s) reported in Canada, accounting for 4.1% of all deaths in Canada.” It noted that this represented a “growth rate of 31.2%” for the procedure compared to the previous year.” Our elderly are slowly loosing their right or desire to live. Why? Because some believe they are not longer contributing to society. Of course, currently, this life is taken in the pretense of “assisting” the elderly and sick to “pass over”. In other words, many feel they are doing them a favor and helping them through the pain of life and death to a better world. An increase of poverty, the inability to survive on disability payments and finding sustainable shelter and food, are also factors. Sounds almost humane.
How about other Nations, ethnic groups, Tribes, etc.? The Hamas and some other Islamic countries do not think Israel has a right to exist. They say Israel is currently committing genocide with the Hamas. Yet, they speak of eliminating Israel in their very own charter.
A one child policy was a policy that China implemented between 1979 and 2015 to curb the country’s population growth by restricting many families to a single child. China also has a Male preference attitude where Females are thought to be less productive than males. What happens to the unwanted children? Guess. Right to life? Not so much.
North Korea is an extremely repressive country. Human rights policy’s are often ignored.
Liberty
Even in the Good “OL'” USA
The United States is a country that prides itself on its idea (ideology) of “Freedom”. This Freedom or Liberty is slowly diminishing when you read about our Constitutional Rights being redefined. Freedom of Speech, freedom to Worship and freedom to Bear Arms are always in the News and being challenged. Even our Voting rights are being challenged by the Media and disgruntled patriots alike.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Happiness is something everyone wants. How to get it and exactly what it means remain questionable to many. So we may ask how is this is done? We can’t attack the principle itself so we redefine its meaning. Love and Happiness then becomes a means to Self Gratification. With this we become Happy. Our laws change accordingly in order to pursue this new Happiness. Sexuality is certainly not the same today as when our Forefathers wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. Same sex marriage and gender questioning was not in their purview.
OK What Does The Word of God Say
Note this reasoning behind the Scriptures relating to Jesus’s temptation on the mount in Matthew 4
Life
“And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
Response
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Analogy
Satan challenges our right to Life. Bread represents “Life”
“I am the bread of Life” (John 6:35)
“Choose Life” “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live,” (Deuteronomy 30:18)
Liberty
“Then the devil took him to the Holy City and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
Response
“Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Analogy
Satan challenges our right to Liberty / Freedom. Satan always tempts us in areas that make us “feel good” telling us that “Nothing is going to happen. You’ll be alright”. This gives us the feeling that we have the Liberty / Freedom, to do as we choose and there will be no consequences. And, it is not always a feeling; we now have a corrupt understanding that this is now a Right (for example, Entitlement).
Pursuit of Happiness
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Response
“Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:8-10)
Analogy
Satan challenges our right to pursue happiness. As mentioned above, our pursuit of happiness has been corrupted and replaced with a counterfeit. Having everything we want (the World and its Riches) when we want it (immediate gratification) is not Gods definition of Happiness. Jesus was tempted in matters of Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. Now what is the correct interpretation of what our Forefathers meant. Without a doubt it is God’s Way not our way.
God’s Word on Life
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Re: Satan’s temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4, Satan is trying to steal Life, Liberty and Happiness fromJesus Himself. –
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 121: 7,8)
“For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:10-11)
God’s Word on Liberty
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” (Isiah 61:1)
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” (1 Corinthians 10:23,24)
God’s Word on the Pursuit of Happiness
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:1-4)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phiippians 4:3-9)
There are so many scriptures that support our Forefathers words in our Preamble to the Constitution. Satan has taken many away and continues to take away these privileges given by God Himself. We must protect them with as much diligence as we protect our Faith in Jesus Christ. Do not forget that we have a Covenant with God as Christians and our Government, likewise, has a covenant with Him as “One Nation Under God”.
What Does This All Mean
Those of us who know and keep The Word of God and are able to use the Reasoning ability God has given us to Discern the signs of the times, know that Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is not something to take for granted. Though it may be a universal declaration to mankind by God, it is not a given. Like the Kingdom of Heaven, it must be taken by force.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven (and God’s Word) has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, as given by God Himself, must be treasured, coddle and received with thanksgiving and joy. If we are not careful it will be a fleeting gift, given over to Satan and his minions (self-satisfying and self-loving people) for the destruction of the Church. We have fought for it, now let us fight to keep it.
How Do We Fight
- Of course, Pray!
- Educate yourself!
- Vote!
- Stand on God’s Word!
- Shout! And let His Word be Heard by whatever means befalls you.
This, we know this for certain –
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, defines the United States, our civilization, our Christianity and The Way. If you have given your Life to Jesus Christ, it is His to do with as He pleases and no longer yours. Therefore turn your life over to Him; Choose Him and choose Life, Choose Liberty and Pursue Happiness. It is God’s Way.
Enough said.
“Thy Words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
