God-Given Rights?

Echoing around the hot buttons of the headlines today on gun control, freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, national security, etc.; I’ve been hearing this statement a lot, “God-given rights.”

The American Bill of Rights was actually written AFTER the Constitution was ratified by the original thirteen states. Although they liked what it said and the balance it represented they figured the people needed a reason to obey and follow it. Basically, what’s in it for them that can be applied to the life of the everyday citizen? Then, it will go over better as we declare this Constitution. 

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights.html

What we have come to know in our world today as our “God-given rights” began as an attempt to make good citizens – not good Christians.

So, I figure, if we are measuring our Christian maturity and righteousness by what we believe are our “God-given Rights” because God will be pleased that we have been given those freedoms by a well-meaning and benevolent government, then we should go back and re-read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. The Bill of Rights is only man’s attempt at doing some things on God’s heart better than others. They never point anyone to Christ. Go figure.

People can tell if you are a follower of Christ or not by the fruit your life reveals in living the teachings of Christ. Jesus said that he left us with a gift – peace of heart and mind. And it was a gift that the world cannot manufacture (John 14:27). I believe him.

My conclusion: The Bill of Rights enables us to be good citizens – not good followers of Christ.