4 Lessons from the Founding Fathers That We Need to Hear Today

Political philosopher and Founding Father Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called "Common Sense." It was published in January of 1776. He was keenly aware that the colonies weren't united about gaining their independence from overbearing England. His idea for self-governing was controversial, and pamphlets were the social media platform of that day and a way to spread ideas quickly. Paine claimed that the British monarchy was evil and that it was the national right of the colonies to have their own government. According to The Museum of the Bible, he also referenced the Bible's Old Testament book of Judges 8:22-23. When the people tried to persuade Gideon that he, his sons, and even his grandsons should rule over them, Gideon's response to them was, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you." Ultimately, the Lord is the one who decides which leaders will be in power in each nation and which ones will be removed from power (Dan 2:21, Psalm 75:7). 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Pekic

When George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States, he took the Oath of Office with his hand on the Bible, and many other presidents followed his example when taking this oath, according to White House History.org. Many have also chosen to use a family Bible and had it opened to a specific passage of scripture that's of personal significance. 

While taking the oath with one hand on the Bible isn't a Constitutional mandate, many presidents do so willingly. In many cases today, it's simply a tradition. However, George Washington wasn't shy in acknowledging the mighty hand of God at work in the forging of America when he gave his Inaugural speech, noting that "…No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more so than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency…" and proceeded to articulate many of the amazing ways he observed and experienced this. 

In what might be considered a warning to future generations, he also stated, among other things, that "…we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained…"  To read the entire transcript, click here. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Enterline Design Services LLC.

America has often been called "the great experiment" because no other nation had the type of government our Founding Fathers were trying to create, which was a self-government that had freedom and equality for all at its core.

Many have heard the story about Benjamin Franklin, the Constitutional Convention, and a woman named Ms. Powell. As he left one night, she asked him, "What have you given us, Dr. Franklin? A monarchy or a republic?" 

Franklin's famous response to her was, "A republic, Madam, if you can keep it."

One of the many miracles connected to America's founding is the large number of state leaders who gathered together, found a willingness to compromise with each other, and put together a single overarching document under which each one would be willing to govern.

Most of the colonists came to America because they wanted to be free from British rule. At the same time, Reverend George Whitefield traveled to each of the colonies and preached a general Christian message that each person could have a personal relationship with Jesus. By 1776, many revivals had broken out, and about 80 percent of the population had either heard his messages in meetings or read them. Not only were people becoming serious about God, but they tended to act in moral ways because of their deep love for God and not just because of being forced by the law. Having God at the center is really why the Constitution has worked for as long as it has, according to Christian author, radio show host, and speaker Eric Metaxas. For more information about Metaxas, click here.

At the same time, Founding Father John Adams is also quoted as saying, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/wwing

In general, America has enjoyed great peace for many decades. While there have been peaceful demonstrations and isolated riots woven into America's history, none were so severe that the government disintegrated into chaos, as has been seen in many other nations around the world. However, we have enjoyed our freedoms for many generations to the point that we've taken them for granted and forgotten what a blessing they are, and those freedoms have been slowly eroding with each generation.

The Founding Fathers created the Constitution with many freedoms in mind. These include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, freedom to peacefully demonstrate, freedom of the press, freedom to bear arms, and so much more. Future generations in America must be taught to realize America's unique freedoms and how central Christian principles have been in forging the laws and influencing how the country functions. While America isn't perfect, there are still many more people trying to immigrate into this country than there are trying to emigrate from it.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/SDI Productions