Choice is an integral and inescapable part of life. For example, we can choose to cheat or not cheat; lie or not to lie, steal or not to steal. We can choose to study hard or not study and cut class. The choices we make have either positive or negative consequences. Many of us, if given those choices, would choose wisely to avoid the negative consequences of not doing so. Others would take chances in hopes of not getting caught, but then cry when the consequences catch up to them. We cannot delegate our choices to others to avoid taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions. This is because the mere act of delegating to others is still a choice. Freewill is a gift from God which separates us from the animals. We should not take lightly this gift as it carries with it an awesome responsibility.
“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3)
“The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death” (Proverbs 21: 5-6)
The Choices We Make Have Consequences
Many have misconstrued “free will” as doing anything they want to do without first considering the limitations on “free”. Some take it for granted, giving little thought to how their choices will impact their lives and others. The choices we make dictate the lives we lead. We are where we are today because of the choices, both negative and/or positive, we made yesterday. Where we end up tomorrow may be because of the choices we make today. Just as we can plan to succeed, we also plan to fail by the lack of knowledge, preparation and planning. The world teaches self-reliance, that we are in control of our destinies and the captains of our ship. They have programmed us to conform to societal norms. However, all the planning and preparation in the world will not guarantee success if God is not in the midst.
“A mans heart devises his way: but the Most High directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9)
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”(Galatians 6:7).
If God is Not In It, There Are No Guarantees
Those who are wise realize that making good choices, setting goals or strategically planning is not always enough. Humans often think themselves to be more than they really are. As a result, they do not consider that their success or failure is dependent on a force outside of themselves. If the Most High is not in it, there are no guarantees. “Go to now, you that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell and get gain: Whereas you know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is a vapor, that appears for little time and then vanishes away. For that you [ought] to say, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”(James 4:13-15) We are all responsible for our choices and will be judged accordingly.
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalms 37:4)
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