Faith Based Constitutional Living

via TJC

A Thriving Constituent

But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:9 NIV

Galatians 4:9 was Paul’s plea to the church of Galatia to consider what was true (in Christ) versus what was proclaimed (by men) and why they would consider returning to what once was.

Consider the key terms within the first paragraph of the U.S. Constitution which translate to and are applicable to the truly free Christian: ‘perfect union’, ‘domestic tranquility’, ‘common defense’, ‘general welfare’, and ‘blessings of liberty for generations to come’.

Are we truly in the fight to live that freely every single day. I walk around every day “declaring” freedom in my own mind, heart, and actions. I often “live it” ostensibly as a Christian although egregiously sinful.

So often I am completely focused on me. You know, the “who I once was”, “who I am currently”, and “who I want to be”. Ya, that guy that overanalyzes every stinking bit of information or questions everything and does a double take with every decision made. I shouldn’t worry, I’m just like every other man out there, right?! I mean, I hear other men talk about how they live life and I must be doing pretty good overall, living life by the law or a supposed set of rules and morally right decisions.

But the law was established to show me that I fall short. I can never obtain “perfect union” in my relationships, “domestic tranquility” in my home, “common defense” and “general welfare” of the same, and the “continued blessings for generations” through human effort, no matter how hard I fight. Especially when I do not live in the present, rather in a state of reflection on the past.

The Founding Fathers did not fight to return to what “once was”, nor did Christ die for us to live a life of what “once was”, so why, why am I, and why are you, fighting so hard to correct the past or fight for something that “once was”?

In this life, I lack confidence because I question everything. I have doubted my impact on the present and future due to my past decisions. I fight constantly for credibility of my own making, and it constantly ends in doubt. I can only conclude that I futilely claim true freedom. My attempts to acquire success and credibility place me in a state of striving, not thriving.

The Constitution established by Jesus through his death, burial, and resurrection was fought for by his own blood. Our Nations Constitution was fought for by the blood of those who believed in a better way of life. So Christian brothers, what are we fighting for here and now? A brighter future based on the next right decision, or futilely rectifying decisions already made.

Do we celebrate freedom simply by our own declaration or because it was constitutionally established? Do our politics seek to build a future, or simply rectify a broken past?

Daily Battle Order:

2 Corinthians 7:5b makes it clear: “we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.”

Lord, you are very clear that the struggles would be inside and out regardless of wealth or privilege or lack. May we fight facing forward for the blessings that lie ahead and leave yesterday for what it truly is, a wrinkle in our forehead.