Free Will
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 7:01AM MAD21 By Pat
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is that of free will, the ability to make our own choices and decisions. Of course, for those of us who desire to serve God fully, it would be easier if God told us every move to make, every word to speak and to whom, and every morsel to eat, but God is too smart for that. He knows we will never grow spiritually as effectively as possible if He directs every single detail of our lives, just as we who are parents realize we must let our children grow and learn from the decisions they make and the behavior they choose. Like God, we give the right example and make wise suggestions, but we cannot take away their ability to make their own choices. It's how they and all of us learn.
We often, when faced with problems and unexpected difficulties in our lives, claim that we are being punished by God for something, don't we? We find it easier to attribute our problems to "God's will," rather than to see that perhaps it's really a result of OUR free will and poor decisions we have made. I don't believe God punishes us for our wrong choices as a parent would a child who behaves poorly. God knows our hearts, and even though we may live a life of faith, God simply allows us to bear the consequences of our actions. His rules are set out in a very clear and straightforward manner in the Bible. He tells us very clearly how to live. But as humans, we often veer off on our own; sometimes intentionally, sometimes because we are too impatient to wait for God's still, small voice. Oftentimes we misunderstand and allow our own ideas to guide us, thinking it's what God wants us to do. I am often guilty of each of those, sadly. God's will for me at times seems a bit too slow in coming, and I take it upon myself...once again having to say, "Bless my mess, Lord!"
Regardless of the reason, it's usually our free will that gets us into trouble. But if we allow it, God in His great wisdom and mercy, will use these experiences to make better servants of us. If we simply recognize our mistakes and give them back to the Lord, we will be blessed in our faith walk with growth in the Lord. Remember Peter, who denied even knowing Jesus, became the rock upon which Jesus built the church. Peter made a bad choice using the free will God gave him, but God used him anyway in a mighty way, just as He can and will and DOES for us!
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." (Psalm 37:23-24)
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.
Reader Comments (2)
Good reminder about personal responsibility in this life.
I'm not sure that God doesn't punish sometimes though. It certainly seems he did that in the Bible some. I'm not sure in what shape or form he may do this, but I wouldn't rule it out.
Thanks for posting!
You're right, Matt. I don't rule that out...but I think sometimes living with the consequences of our bad choices is possibly a punishment, but I do also believe God punishes us at times. Thank you!