A Gift, Not a Right

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." These famous words from the Declaration of Independence have long served as a cornerstone of American values. They are frequently quoted, revered, and debated, especially in moments of political and social turmoil. But as Christians living in a society shaped by these ideals, do we truly stop to consider what these words mean?

The recent presidential election has stirred deep divisions in our nation, and among the discontented, these lines are often invoked to justify anger, frustration, or even violent behavior. But in the heat of the moment, how many of us pause to question whether these words—especially the idea that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights—are truly self-evident? More importantly, are they truly rights given by God?

Endowed by Their Creator with Certain UNALIENABLE Rights

The term "unalienable" (or "inalienable," as we would say today) refers to something that cannot be taken away or surrendered. This concept suggests that the rights we possess are inherently ours, granted by our Creator, and cannot be revoked by any human authority. But is this really the case? Does life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness truly belong to us by right, or are they gifts from God, as the Declaration implies? Let's explore each of these so-called "unalienable rights" in greater depth, starting with life itself.

Life: A Right or a Gift?

Is life something we are entitled to simply because we exist? Many people in modern society take life for granted, assuming it is a right that belongs to them. However, the Bible offers a different perspective. In Romans 3:23, we are told, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." And in Romans 6:23, we are reminded that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." If life were truly a right, we would not need to speak of it as a "gift" from God. A gift, by definition, is something given freely and voluntarily, not something that is automatically ours. As the Bible points out, our sin separates us from God's glory, and in that state, we deserve death. Life, then, is not a right we possess by virtue of our humanity; it is a precious gift bestowed upon us by God. Since life is a gift from the Father, it can be taken away at His will. No one else, however, has the right to take it. Life is sacred and valuable, for it comes from God, and as such, must be protected.

Liberty: Freedom or Bondage?

Next, consider the concept of liberty. The Declaration of Independence champions our right to liberty, but are we truly free to do as we please? In reality, the idea of "freedom" is more complex than it first appears. Romans 6:16 teaches, "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" This verse highlights a critical point: true liberty is not about being free to do whatever we want; it's about being free from the bondage of sin. We may think we are free when we act according to our own desires, but in reality, we are often enslaved by our choices—whether to sin, materialism, or other destructive behaviors.

In Christian terms, freedom comes not from acting according to our own will, but from surrendering our will to God. Galatians 5:1 encourages us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." In other words, true liberty is found in obedience to God's will. It is a freedom not from all law, but from the destructive power of sin, which leads to death. So, while we may have a form of civil liberty in this world, our ultimate freedom is found in Christ.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Joy or Fleeting Pleasure?

Finally, we come to the pursuit of happiness. The idea that happiness is an inherent right to be pursued at all costs is deeply ingrained in American culture. However, happiness is often fleeting and superficial. What makes one person happy—such as material wealth, personal success, or indulgence in earthly pleasures—may harm others or ultimately lead to emptiness. A person who pursues alcohol for the sake of happiness may temporarily feel happy, but this happiness is short-lived and comes at the expense of his health and relationships.

Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper and more lasting. Psalm 16:11 tells us, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Joy is not simply a passing feeling; it is a lasting, spiritual gift that comes from God. It is rooted in God's presence and in the righteousness He offers. While it is not wrong to enjoy the good things in life, the Bible teaches us that our focus should be on pursuing joy, which is a lasting blessing from God, rather than fleeting happiness.

The Gift of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

So, what does this mean for us as individuals living in a nation that champions the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? We should remember that these things are not inherently ours by right, as the Declaration suggests. Rather, they are gifts from our Creator. God has given us the gift of life, but it is ultimately His to take away. He has granted us the liberty to be free from sin, but that freedom is found in obedience to His will, not in the pursuit of personal desires. And He has made it possible for us to experience true joy, but that joy is found not in the temporary pleasures of this world, but in a relationship with Him.

Let us remember to be thankful for the gifts God has given us. These gifts are not guaranteed but are freely offered to us by a gracious Creator, and we must also acknowledge that they are not our inherent rights—they are divine gifts to be cherished and used in accordance with God's will. And may we always seek true joy, not fleeting happiness, knowing that it is only in God's presence that we find fullness of joy.