A Nugget from New Life Network
Quote for the Day (July 10, 2015)
“Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of
speech.” (Benjamin Franklin)
We are in the beginning days of a major political season. Today’s devotional is going to be a refresher civics course on one of our most precious freedoms.
Amendment 1 Constitution of the United States
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.
I think you should be able to see the great wisdom our founding fathers exercised when they penned those words. They did not want our Government dictating to us how to worship and they established safeguards from tyranny through free speech, free press and the freedom to assemble and petition.
Let’s talk about free speech a little bit. As much as I disagree with some of the things I hear said at many levels of the government, in the media, on campaign trails, and even from some pulpits, I would defend to the death their right to say it in this country. If you believe in Satan, you have every right to say that and express your views. If you are a Christian, you have the same right to express your belief in Jesus Christ. Democrats, republicans, independents and all other political parties have the same free speech rights.
Now, if you were the enemy, and wanted to steer people in a certain direction, what would be one of your main tactics. I would suggest it would be to shutdown free speech or make some speech so politically incorrect that it would be banned or punished in such a way that you would not dare say exactly what you thought.
True free speech is messy! It may cause you to listen to words and thoughts or view things you do not agree with. But, it gives you a chance to hear all sides. You can turn it off. You don’t have to support it or vote for it. But it allows a free flow of ideas for people to express their own beliefs and for the listeners to make their own choices. I don’t know about you, but personally, I am very thankful for that freedom in the United States.
Jesus was the most politically incorrect person that ever walked the earth and He was crucified for it:
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. (John 10:33)
Jesus did nothing but speak the truth but it was so politically and religiously incorrect at the time that the Jewish leaders could not see it or receive it. We have had examples in our own lifetime, such as Martin Luther King, that lost his life for speaking the truth and exercising his constitutional rights.
As a nation, and as citizens of this nation, we should be better than that! We should be able to handle the truth and the lies. So let’s make sure we don’t miss out on the next major truth, or buy the next major lie, by suppressing free speech under the umbrella of political correctness. We are smarter than that. We are the United States of America and thank God for free speech.
God Bless the USA!!!
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (John 6:63, NIV)
He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing. (Matthew 13:9, Amp.)
