That pesky free will, is it a blessing? Or is it a curse? There are numerous accounts in scripture relaying the fact that we have a choice…a choice between good and evil. Why is it that we, as humans (or even as Christians) make mistakes so often?
“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not do, that I do.” Romans 7:19
That quote was from the writings of the Apostle Paul. You know, it makes me feel good that ever Paul succumbed to some of the temptations that I do. I know that sounds petty, but let’s face it – most of you feel that same relief. Even the best of Christians fall into temptations; it’s not just me, and it’s not just you.
What causes it? Well, my opinion is, that it’s that old, pesky free will that God gave us. Yep, that same thing that allowed Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, is the very thing that also makes us make wrong decisions – almost every day!
(I am going to chase a rabbit here, and say that I don’t believe the forbidden fruit was an apple. Apple trees are everywhere. I think it must have been some sort of exotic fruit that you don’t hear much about. Apples are too plentiful. A kumquat – that’s what it was: you don’t hear much about kumquats, so they must be cursed too.)
God tries to relay to us throughout scriptures that we are responsible for ourselves – we have the capacity to put ourselves under his authority. If a baby chick does not run under the wings of the mother hen when a hawk flies over, that baby chick gets taken.
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed shall live.”
Deuteronomy 31:19
We have to practice doing what God designed us for – give him ourselves in obedience (with our pesky free will that doesn’t want to cooperate).
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served…….or the gods….in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Do you recall that Jesus came to earth to serve – to be a servant? That is what we are trying to achieve – to be a good and faithful servant.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty (free will); only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
When you get to Heaven, wouldn’t it be nice to hear Jesus say to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Free will, did you recognize the fact that God knows you will have trouble fighting that thing in Deuteronomy 31:19? Even God says it is a blessing and a curse.
~AE
