Hundreds of years before American colonists revolted against the crown, rebel nobles in England drafted a document to decrease the power of their own monarch: King John. In 1215, the Magna Carta primarily secured liberties for England’s elite classes. Its language protecting due process and barring absolute monarchy has guided the fundamental principles of common law in constitutions worldwide for the last 800 years. The Magna Carta brought an end to the absolute power of English sovereigns as they were required to be held accountable by the law.

On Sept 17, 1787, a sacred, historic piece of legislation was signed by 39 delegates representing 12 states. This document established America’s national government and fundamental laws and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. Within the formation of the national government came three components: executive, legislative and judicial, ensuring checks and balances so that no single branch would possess too much power. This document became known as the U.S. Constitution. 

Benjamin Franklin said on the closing day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787: “I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such, because I think a central government is necessary for us… I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution.”

We have debated continuously about the interpretation of the Constitution and government role, but there is something that supersedes the rule of man: The Word of God!

Here are some examples of worldly governing:

• Same-sex marriage ruled as a constitutional right
• Individuals choosing which gender they want to be
• Heavy emphasis on individualism: that an individual knows what’s best for themself and that they can live according to what they best see as fit.

But what does The Word of God have to say about this?

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.
Psalms 119:89

We are governed by the Constitution of the Church: the infallible, immeasurable, and incomparable Word of God!

Biblical examples of adherence to God’s governing:

Three Hebrew children defying the decree of Nebuchadnezzar to bow down at the golden image. In the sight of princes, governors, and individuals of high pedigree, the boys remained steadfast to the Word of God!

Daniel defied King Darius’ decree that nobody should pray to anyone but him because he was committed to the Word of God!

We are governed by God’s divine law:

• His law is not limited by jurisdiction.
• There is no statute of limitations.
• There are no checks and balances.
• You can’t vote him out or veto his power.

But the Bible is much more than our spiritual constitution of governance; it is the spoken Word of Jesus Christ himself!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
2 Timothy 3:16

Everything in the Bible applies to every area of our life. The Bible is God-inspired, written was by his design or permission. We are not only governed by God’s Constitution, but we are also redeemed by it. The same voice that spoke healings, miracles, and signs and wonders many millennia ago is still speaking today—through us AND to us!

Demetrius Minor

Demetrius Minor is a minister, author, and political commentator. He is a former radio talk show host and television personality. He is also a member of the Project 21 advisory board of black conservative leaders across the United States. He and his wife, Riesa, serve on the leadership staff at Tampa Life Church in Tampa, FL.