Friday; November 3

When the framers of a Constitution for the new United States of America worked on their document, I doubt they realized just how much they would impact history. While what was originally drafted in 1787 was insightful, some of the most compelling work has been done in fine tuning the document through the amendments. One of the first alterations came in 1791 when the American people were expressly given the right to worship as they saw fit. In what has come to be known as the First Amendment, our government assured, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion …”. Many have interpreted this as a call to a freedom from religion, but the true meaning seems to be a freedom of religion. We have the liberty to worship our God in our ways.

While this freedom means a lot to the United States, it also follows a very natural understanding of the nature of spiritual matters. Worship – especially God-centered worship – cannot be dictated by government, it begins in the heart. It is not something to be compelled by Congress, it is a commitment made by each and every believer. At the very beginning of the Christian movement believers are told, “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 3:23-24).

We live in a time and place that allows us to worship God as we see fit. That is a nice benefit, but the true question by which we will be judged is – are we doing it? Let’s all take advantage of the freedom we have and spend time worshipping our God this weekend! It may not make us more patriotic Americans, but it just might help us become better people.

Think About It!

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