Finding one pearl of great value, [he] went and sold all that he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:46
Following approval by the state of Virginia on this day in 1791, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, became part of the U.S. Constitution. In 1789, the inaugural U.S. Congress endorsed 12 amendments to the Constitution, submitting them to the states for ratification. These amendments were crafted to safeguard the fundamental rights of American citizens, including freedoms of speech, press, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to a fair legal process and the bearing of arms. They clarified that powers not granted to the federal government would be reserved for the states and the people. The Bill of Rights was influenced by historical documents like the English Bill of Rights (1689) and Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, drafted by George Mason in 1776. Today, as Galatians 5:13 urges, remember to use your freedom wisely, to serve others.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For the president and his administration to be mindful of the limitations the Constitution places on the federal government.
- For members of the House and Senate to be faithful to their oaths to uphold the Constitution and to serve ethically.
