First and foremost. The bottom line. Priority #1. Paramount. Preeminent. Primary. Lots of synonyms in play these days as we attempt to find the way to appropriately elevate the extraordinary from the field of competition clamoring for the Top Spot. We watch that happening with unrelenting intensity in our marketplace competition, the pursuit of cultural influence, competitive athletic achievement – college, pros and Olympics – and political victories at local/state/national levels. It’s also a bare-knuckles battle in self-identity: what’s your most significant qualifier?

His speech in Milwaukee last Tuesday was one of back-to-back addresses by luminaries at the Republican National Convention. Mike Johnson – Congressman from Louisiana, and currently Speaker of the House – made this very reasoned statement: “Two hundred and forty-eight years ago, we boldly proclaimed in our Declaration that ‘all men are created equal.’ Not ‘born equal;’ ‘created equal.’ And, ‘that we’re endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights.’ See, we understand that our rights do not come from government; they come from God.”

What a refreshing recognition from the person who is second in the line of succession to the Presidency. The uninformed view would claim that rights are designed and bestowed through acts of government or political fiat, but the founding documents of our Republic conceded ultimate authority to the Creator, Who is the One from whom rights emanate. God trumps government (no pun intended).

As we sort-through the challenges of life to which we wake daily, understanding our personal place in the grand scheme of things becomes an initial reset that will make the rest of each day manageable. Who – exactly – are we, at the most definitional level?

For those who operate from a baseline of lawlessness, the Constitution – and the laws that flow from that foundation – are simply obstacles to overcome. Deny or dismiss those boundaries, and deal with them if – and only if – they are caught. Society suffers from the expanding lynch-mob of lawless people who live outside the bounds of a civil community.

For some, the Constitution is the last and highest standard to define their beliefs and behavior. That shrinking faction of America has gone so far as to elevate their view of the Constitution to the status of being divinely inspired. If that were true, there would be no more significant reference point than to ascertain that one’s position is constitutional.

Speaker Johnson expressed the historic truth embraced by the majority of the coauthors of our nation’s founding documents: while holding our Constitution high for allegiance, there is only one source that exceeds that charter. Truth sourced in our Creator – and His inspired Word, outlined in the Bible – is the highest point of legitimacy available among created beings.

How does one live to the greatest capacity as a citizen of our country? It starts with familiarity with our agreed framework; the training necessary for aliens to become naturalized includes studies sourced in our Constitution. How can one be a participative member of American society without knowing the Constitutional basics?

How does one live to the greatest capacity as a citizen of God’s Kingdom? It starts with familiarity with our agreed framework; the training necessary for people to become followers of Jesus includes studies sourced in the Bible. How can one be a participative member of the Kingdom of God without knowing the Biblical basics?

Regarding one’s life as an American, opinions are functionally irrelevant if not rooted in a clear understanding of the Constitution. Regarding one’s life as a Christian, opinions are functionally irrelevant if not rooted in a clear understanding of the Bible.

Are you ready to engage today’s challenges, with your citizenship and discipleship secured?

Bob Shank