Inspiration and the Constitution

                The Constitution of the United States of America is often grouped with the Declaration of Independence.  These documents outline our rights as Americans.

                “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” wrote the framers of the Declaration of Independence. It is clear to see that God played a part in the lives of the founding fathers; otherwise the above mentioned truths would not be self-evident.  I believe that He did inspire these men in writing the Declaration and the Constitution.

In D&C 101:77 He states that He established the Constitution and that we should maintain it “for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles.”  By stating that it is to protect the rights of “all flesh” we can see that God was looking after all of His children, and today we can see the far reaching effects of the American Constitution.  Many nations have adopted it or used it as an example for their own constitution to protect their rights.

We are supposed to maintain the constitution “according to just and holy principles.”  Anything just or holy can be considered truth, and God is the Father of all truth.  So I believe that God inspired our forefathers to create a constitution built upon the principle of truth.

                Another thing about the Constitution that proves to me that it was inspired is that it is a government ran by the people. The scriptures say it is not expedient that we should have a king, and I believe God inspired the founding fathers to establish a government for the people and by the people.

In the Book of Mormon it says that this land will be “a land of liberty,” a land where “every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike,” (2 Nephi 10:11 and Mosiah 29:32).  These are ancient prophesies that have been fulfilled through the Constitution.  The Constitution is what guarantees our liberties and rights.

I believe God played a part in the lives of all the men who played a part in developing the Constitution.  They were raised as a God fearing people.  They prayed, they went to church, and they read the Bible.  I believe they sought God’s help in the things they did. I believe He did inspire them.

All the experiences and trials they went through helped them to create a “more perfect union.”  The freedoms and liberties we enjoy now come in part because of the hardships and injustices that colonists faced more than 200 years ago.  I am grateful that God inspired these wise men to write the Constitution and establish this great country.