It has been some time since I last read the Declaration of Independence. In fact, it has been over 45 years. And even then, it was in the context of my civics courses in high school. So recently, I thought it wise to revisit the text for a refresher.
Sure, I am generally familiar with the most iconic lines of the document about certain truths being self-evident, that all people are created equal, that we hold life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as hallmarks of the human experience divinely ordained by a benevolent God, but I had forgotten some of the basic reasoning for absolution from England’s rule.
In short, what the new nation desired most was recognition that power was vested in the government by the consent of those governed and not the other way around. That seems reasonable and self-evident, too. But it does require attention and involvement.
Because I am older, the consequences of unresponsive citizenry may have little gravity as the slow grind of potential tyranny and despotism likely ensures I will sail into a fair sunset, but my children and grandchildren will not so easily avoid these if unchecked.
To be sure, every generation that has abdicated its responsibility to the safety and happiness of all its members will soon fall prey to conflict, strife, and war, as freedom and liberty will soon die in the hands of a few.
Having stated this, I reminded of the Old Testament nation of Israel.
After the nation was established following the migration away from Egyptian tyranny, a new generation grew and replaced the aged.
As much as one would like to think the parents of the previous generation had done a good job educating their children regarding God’s favor, his benevolence, his counsel, and the necessity to cherish and protect the national identity, what in fact happened was quite different. Not only were children not taught to be good citizens and God-fearing members of society, their lack of training and responsibility led to civil war and a divided nation albeit over time.
It sounds ominously familiar.
While many today, perhaps most, think the mix of God and government a mistake, it cannot be denied that a lack of underpinning in core values, inspired by reverence for the holy, is the first fissure to ultimate destruction.
If we fail it will not be because of freedom. Freedom will be lost because we failed. We will have failed ourselves, our God, and the founding principles which our forefathers knew firsthand to be at risk.
I am an optimist by nature. I believe we can survive and thrive, but we must wish to do so. We must see what our luminary leaders saw, “A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”
It is my hope that disinterest on our part will not lead to what was reported after Joshua’s death, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.”
Be proud to be American. Sing full-throated renditions of the National Anthem, weep over every soldier that has given all, teach your children well. But most important, be reminded that we consent to governance. It is our responsibility and privilege to have such a nation under God.
Protect it. Cherish it. Sustain it.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
