These are probably questions that have rattled the brains of many a philosopher over the ages. If God is sovereign and all knowing, how can we have free will? If God knows our choices and includes them in His plan for us, is our will really free?
I've heard many a non-Christian comment that to become a Christian means giving up too much. That's not how it works. Although, by inviting Jesus in to our lives, we can be freed, delivered if you like, from the shackles of addiction. That's not just drugs or alcohol but addictions to money, food, gossip, or anything we use to fill a void that only God can fill. It has nothing to do with unwilling or resentful sacrifice but everything to do with freedom and choice.
From the outside looking in it must appear we have a demanding faith. Faith is not religion! Nothing has to be done under our own power except make the choice to either let something go or hang on to it for a while. At the same time, God's grace is sufficient to allow us to evolve under His tender and loving care until we reach the point of decision making.
There is an element of sacrifice in free will. It's nothing new. We do it all the time. Mothers and fathers with young children know all too well how their time is not their own yet willingly surrender it.
I had a friend who would constantly rant about her ex husband. Her bitter hatred of him consumed much of her conversation. I asked her one time why she hung on to such dark feelings. I'll never forget her surprised response as she paused mid word. "Because it is easier than letting it go." After that, she never mentioned him again. You could see the peace in her face.
An act of sacrifice is a choice for a better life, a happier one. It isn't meant to be punitive but freeing.
Which brings me back to free will.
I will choose to do God's will because, in Christ, I am free.
"The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." Is :32:17
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Boundary Study Part 2
"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy...
It is always about Love. God loved us first, and the thing He desires most is our love. So, when He created mankind He had to give us free will, for love cannot be forced or it's not truly love. Ironically for God, it is free will that also enables us to choose not to love Him. That is how much value He places on our free will!
ReplyDeleteSince God knows everything, He knows our choices before we make them. He lovingly works with us through them all, the good and the bad. God has not called us to an easy or necessarily comfortable life. To live as a Christian means living out beliefs that "the world" rejects and opposes. We face temptations from our culture, peers, personal ego, and the devil. Freedom from all this comes only by the grace of God when we choose to respond to His love by letting Him lead us. As you said, it comes back to free will.