The Patriot’s Duty

History tells us that on the final day of deliberations of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Mrs. Powell of Philadelphia sought out Benjamin Franklin to ask what type of government the delegates had given the new country. Franklin replied, “A Republic—if you can keep it.”

America’s government was designed as a limited government to protect the rights and liberties of the people. This however, is not what we see today. We now see a government that has completely overstepped its designed authority and is now infringing upon the rights and liberties of the people rather than protecting them. Almost every aspect of American life is now controlled by the government.

Earlier generations of Americans understood the principles of liberty that were put forth in our government and knew that these principles would have to be stewarded to keep this country free. Today, surveys tell us that many Americans have no idea what a Constitutional Republic even is or why our forefathers chose such a government. Adding more insult, these same surveys tell us that almost two-thirds of Americans cannot identify the three branches that make up our government or that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Without a doubt, this is a bit disturbing and begs the question, “How can we the people keep our freedom if we have no idea where that freedom comes from?” Let us go even further and ask, “What is it that sustains this freedom?”

Our forefathers believed that it was our duty as citizens, and especially for those who are Christians, to care about others and strive to secure the best government possible. A government that is just, that will bless and not burden the people of the nation.

Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, understood this when he explained: “Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and…is both a moral and a religious duty. It comprehends not only the love of our neighbors but of millions of our fellow creatures, not only of the present but of the future generations.”

These were truths that pulpits in each generation of this nation would expound upon! Many who went before us were bold in their declarations of our responsibility as Christians and citizens regarding our country. Americans understood that they were accountable to God and would one day give answer to Him regarding how they lived out their lives not only in personal possessions, family and church, but also their government. Men such as the Reverend Henry van Dyke declared such: “The true patriot is he who maintains the highest ideal of honor, purity, and justice for his country’s laws and rulers and actions. The true patriot is he who is willing to sacrifice his time and strength and prosperity to remove political shame and corruption…The true patriot is he who works and votes with the same courage that he would fight, in order that the noblest aspirations of a noble people may be embodied in the noblest rulers.”

How many pastors and preachers proclaim that today? Not many! Most are too busy building churches rather than being involved in society! We have become inundated with ourselves rather than being “Salt” and “Light” and “Bearers of Truth” to impact our culture! This country given to us by God, is waiting! Waiting for men and women who are not afraid, who will stand and proclaim these truths, no matter what! This is the duty of every patriot!

We must never forget that freedom is a precious commodity! It will always have to be fought for and it will always require patriots to keep it! Ronald Reagan was such a patriot and he made sure of this when he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed down for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

How about you? Where do you stand today? Looking for Patriots!!