In order for any structure, whether it is a government or a physical entity to withstand the test of time, it must have a firm foundation. In the case of a building, it is understood that the most important element is a properly constructed foundation. It follows that if a government can be compared to a building, then the foundation for a government is a firm set of rules that can’t be changed by the daily whims of the leaders.

A principle stands out in 1 Corinthians 3:11 that can be applied to the Constitution. Paul said: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Of course, he was speaking of salvation for people by following a standard that has no equal, but the principle holds for our nation. The Constitution is a standard that has no equal and can literally save the nation if those elected to public office will follow it. The trouble arrives when it isn’t followed.  

When the founders began to formulate a system of government, they rejected every type except a constitutional republic. The citizens have a voice in the system by electing men and women to represent them in the conduction of public affairs. They hopefully elect men and women who will follow the standards with the expectation that those so elected will enact laws in accordance with the standard set forth.

Over the years, trouble continues to arise as the politicians have stepped outside the established limits placed on government. It began in the 30s when FDR ignored the plain declarations of the Constitution and rammed through social welfare programs of all kinds. Given the impetus of those years, politicians continue to pass laws that are in the main, unconstitutional. Courts have helped to destroy the foundation as well by making rulings that appeal to emotions and whims of the clamoring special interest groups claiming to speak for the public good.

The United States Supreme Court stepped away from our God controlled sovereignty and the authority of the Constitution when they used foreign law to decide cases which had issues that other nations thought were permissible. Just because others think that certain behaviors are acceptable is no sign that we in the United States should follow their lead.

The United States began as a unique nation whose founders from the beginning looked to God for guidance to find the path to build a strong independent nation. The Declaration of Independence reflects the idea of dependence on God, and certainly, the laws which were formulated in the beginning set forth such dependence on the higher power of God.

For a great number of years the foundation has been eroded and is constantly under assault by the ones who don’t wish to follow any guidelines except their own. Today the conduct of many is much like the people of old who did what was right in their own eyes. Can a nation long survive when each person views themselves as special and declares that they are entitled to special privileges for reasons that differ from all others, and when each one or group makes self serving declarations?

Of course the answer is no, but few seem to believe it. So many think that socialism, communism, and other isms are better, but their thinking is folly. All are perversions of the path that the founders gave us and they will lead to destruction of a once mighty nation. None of the other systems provide for equality, freedom, and liberty. Those systems appeal to those who push the state. They are built on the shifting sand foundations invented by capricious men appealing to the lusts of greedy individuals who are eager to provide the support for their (politicians) existence and power.

Remember the verses about foundations and the words of Jefferson. For other foundation can no man lay than that which the founders gave us, the Constitution of the United States. To follow anything else will bring certain destruction.    

               Next Lesson Survival of a Nation Part XVIII Our Inheritance