Freedom of Thought #16
by Joseph Prescia
Our United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. It does not guarantee freedom of thought because it’s not necessary. Even a Communist in his own country can think whatever he wants to think. It’s in his actions that he gets himself into trouble. A crime is committed on foreign soil when thoughts are manifested in word or deed. Anyone, anywhere in the entire world is able to have freedom of thought. But in the United States you can think as you please and have your actions protected as well.
On the other hand, we are not free to do whatever we want, when we want to as Americans. For example, you have the right to free speech provided it does not interrupt law and order. If you were to take it upon yourself to speak out loud while court is in session, then there are penalties to pay for such behavior. You can go into any courtroom and think whatever you want, when you want to. But regarding a person‘s actions there are guidelines to follow to keep things decent and in order.
Why is this so important? Because a good Constitution is an extension of the laws found in God’s Word, the Bible. Our United States Constitution is not the Word of God, but it does contain many of the freedoms that God has promoted within the scriptures. God allows His children freedon to think and freedom to choose their actions. He desires that we worship Him by our own freewill, not out of compulsion or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. God not only sees our actions, but He knows our thoughts as well and He still loves us. He has given us these freedoms because He loves us. He is not looking for robots to love Him out of compulsion, but instead enjoys it when we freely give of ourselves to Him in thanks for what He has done for us.
For one to know their rights as a United States citizen they must also know the written document upon which our country was founded. If a citizen does not know the Constitution, they are at risk of wrongdoing or of not exercising their full rights as a law abiding United States citizen. God has given us His written Word, the Bible, so that we can know how to live life to it’s fullest. If a son or a daughter of God does not know their rights as God’s children then they could be committing sin against God and not know it. On the other hand, what a shame if one lives their entire life at only half potential. Jesus Christ promised a life that is more abundant (John 10:10). Most would be satisfied with an abundant life but Jesus’ promise went beyond that because he stated “more abundantly.” Since God has given us freedom of thought and freedom of action we can freely go to the Word of God to see for ourselves what great things God has available for us everyday of our lives and beyond. Why limit your potential to just freedom of thought? Why not act upon your full rights as a child of God? |
