By Chap. (Lt. Col.) James Smith
Special to GUIDON

Every citizen of our country and every person in the world has rights.   

We are a nation built on a constitutional foundation that was designed to stand the test of time and endure throughout the ages. Our rights are indistinguishable from our faith and freedom, and they are secured by our struggle and sacrifice.

Having rights but not knowing your rights can lead to compromising situations.

I am not a police officer, but I have seen enough of them on television, so I know that police appropriately advise suspects of their “Miranda Rights” — their right to remain silent, their right to an attorney, and the right to an appointed attorney if they are unable to afford counsel.

When I think about the Christian walk and witness, it is obvious to me that the Christian also has rights; rights that they may not be aware of. Let’s look simultaneously at our Miranda Rights and those of a Christian.


You have the right to remain silent.
Actions speak louder than words. Colossians 3:16; “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”


Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
Luke 19:40 “And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”


You have the right to speak to an attorney.
Your court appointed attorney is Jesus; Romans 3:25; “For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past.”


If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.
Romans 5:8 “But God showed his great love for us, by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”


Now that you know your rights, do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?
(Editor’s note: Smith is the deputy installation chaplain.)