As an American, do you know your Bill of Rights? This would be a perfect day to get acquainted with them since the Bill was ratified 233 years ago on this day in 1791. The devotional will be a bit lengthier, but I want us to take a moment and really read and understand one of our most powerful founding documents. The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to our United States Constitution.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.1
As Christians living out our faith here in America, we are thankful for these rights established by our nation’s forefathers. However, we cannot look at our citizenship in the kingdom of God as having rights. Instead, we have privileges.
It is a privilege to be able to know my God and Savior personally and intimately. 1 John 4:19 reminds us that “We love him, because he first loved us.” Because of this great love shown to me at salvation, I’m invited to have a daily close walk with the Creator of all things. I am told in James 4:8 to “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” That is an amazing privilege.
It is a privilege to represent the Lord Jesus Christ as an ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Wherever I go, I can tell others about Him.
It is a privilege and a mighty BIG one to have an inside track to understanding God’s Word and the things of God. Consider what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9-16. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” God HAS revealed spiritual truths and mysteries to us. We can know the things of the Lord because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. These are privileges that seem to grow in abundance.
It is a privilege to be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17 says, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” We are like the winning team that is welcomed home as heroes. On that float are the starters and bench warmers alike, celebrating and cheering. While we are not supposed to be bench warmers, we are certainly NOT the starters – or Starter. There is one to whom belongs all glory and that is our Savior. And, yet, we are going to share in the glory that is all His! WOW!
Perhaps we might be better Americans if we stopped thinking about our rights and instead, acted like it is a privilege to live in this great country.
“But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” (Psalms 73:28”
1https://www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/bill-of-rights#the-bill-of-rights
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