Anniversaries invite reflection. America's 250th anniversary invites responsibility.
As we celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is proper to reflect on the many blessings of liberty, but we must also consider the responsibilities that preserve it. Our founders established a constitutional republic that depends upon an informed, engaged and virtuous citizenry, so preserving and sustaining the freedom and rights we enjoy demands that we willingly accept certain responsibilities.
Two years ago, in my opinion column titled, "Promoting active participation in voting among church members is a valid objective," I encouraged churches to remind their congregations that voting is both a right and a responsibility. That fundamental truth remains unchanged.
What has changed is the moment that currently surrounds us. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to remember our nation's founding while recommitting ourselves to faithfully preserving the constitutional republic entrusted to us.
Churches have always played a vital role in shaping the moral character of our communities as they proclaim biblical truth, strengthen families, encourage service, and cultivate integrity, compassion, and personal responsibility. America’s 250th anniversary provides churches yet another opportunity and avenue to shine their light by helping their congregations grow in faith, character, and civic responsibility.
After all, faith shapes character. Character shapes citizenship. And faithful citizenship helps preserve the blessings of liberty.
Scripture provides a solid foundation for faithful citizenship. Romans 13 reminds us to respect governing authority. First Timothy 2:1-2 calls believers to pray for those in authority. James 1:5 encourages us to seek God's wisdom. Exodus 18:21 reminds us to value leaders who have integrity, truthfulness, wisdom, and reverence for God. These passages do not direct Christians toward a particular candidate, party, or even a political philosophy. Rather, they encourage believers to approach public life with prayer, discernment, and biblical conviction.
Churches should faithfully proclaim biblical truth, encouraging their congregations to prayerfully evaluate candidates and public policies through the lens of Scripture, seeking God's wisdom and voting according to biblical principles and an informed conscience. Most churches already make weekly announcements about worship services, Bible studies, missions, and community outreach. Why not also include a simple reminder encouraging citizens to register to vote, become informed, and faithfully participate in our elections?
Alabama's special August 11 primary elections in four congressional districts provide an immediate opportunity. Churches can encourage citizens to register or verify their voter registration, locate their polling place, and access trusted election information through AlabamaVotes.gov. Such encouragement is not partisan – it is simply a gentle prompt toward faithful citizenship. It also prepares citizens for the November general election.
As a state representative and member of the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee, I believe Republicans should take an honest look at the recent election results. Compared to the 2022 primary election, Democratic voter participation increased while Republican voter participation declined significantly. Republicans should never assume elections are decided before ballots are cast. If we believe in limited government, constitutional principles, and individual liberty, then we should also believe in faithfully exercising one of our most fundamental responsibilities – voting. The decline in Republican voter participation should challenge our party to do a better job of educating, engaging and encouraging our voters to participate in every election.
That observation extends beyond any one political party. Every church, every family, every civic organization, and every political party has a role in encouraging informed, engaged and responsible citizenship.
I love this country and had the privilege of serving our great nation in the United States Army for over two decades. My service deepened my appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities entrusted to every citizen. America's 250th anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on those who came before us – our founders who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor; the generations of Americans who answered our nation's call to military service; the heroes who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation; and countless citizens who strengthened our communities, raised families, and preserved the blessings of liberty for those who would follow. We honor their legacy not only by celebrating our freedoms, but by faithfully exercising them. Voting is one of the clearest expressions of faithful citizenship.
America's first 250 years were preserved by generations who embraced the responsibilities of citizenship. Whether the next 250 years are equally strong will depend on whether our generation and those following choose to do the same.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I pray that our churches will continue doing what they have always done – proclaiming biblical truth, strengthening families, serving their communities, and helping form citizens within their congregations who faithfully exercise the responsibilities of citizenship.
A Simple Call to Faithful Citizenship
- Register to vote – or verify that your voter registration is current through AlabamaVotes.gov.
- Become informed about the candidates and the issues.
- Pray for wisdom.
- Vote according to biblical principles and an informed conscience.
- Encourage others to faithfully exercise the responsibilities of citizenship.
Faith shapes character.
Character shapes citizenship.
And faithful citizenship helps preserve the blessings of liberty for generations to come.
State Rep. Kenneth Paschal represents Alabama House District 73, serves as Vice Chair of the Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, is a member of the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee, and is a 21-year U.S. Army veteran.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
