I have always seen myself as an independent thinker. By doing so, I have stood in some cases alone when facing issues, I felt were infringing on my freewill. In each case “choosing freewill” had a cost.
In some instances, it cost me people whom I thought were my friends, in others, it cost me my position and all that went along with it. Regardless of the price, “choosing freewill” has always been worth it to me.
The precedent set for this mindset was established thousands of years ago and has been reasserted time and time again over the centuries.
In biblical times, we see numerous occasions where people chose freewill rather than submit to those in authority. In every case where freewill was chosen, it was done so rather than comprising their convictions, which were grounded in following God, trusting in Him, and carrying out His will for their lives. In many cases, this cost them everything, including their lives.
I often wonder where this kind of conviction is in our world today.
The question I have is, with all the concern about saying the wrong thing or offending someone’s sensibilities, are we living in a world where “choosing freewill” is even a concern anymore? I am not sure, but I am sure we are at a precipice regarding our freewill.
Of course, as always, if we have our freewill taken from us, it is for our own good and for the good of those around us. It sounds so right it cannot be wrong, can it?
Is it possible those striving to convince us freewill cannot be allowed if it imposes on the freewill of others do not have our best interest at heart? Or is it possible these same people know exactly what they are doing as they preach a gospel that says, “choosing freewill” makes you a threat to the common good and the established order of things.
I submit they are right. “Choosing freewill” is a threat to the order some see needed in our world today. The irony is the same restrictions being hailed as required for some, are not required for those who impose them.
Are these the arbiters of freewill? I believe they would say they are.
All of this leads to the most important aspect of “choosing freewill” for me. That is, the freewill to choose to follow my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to place my hope and trust in Him and not in the people and things of this world.
Does this make me a threat to the common good or the status quo. Oh, I think it does as history indicates.
You see, those who have stood firm in their faith in Jesus throughout history have always been seen as a threat. The reality is the reason this is still occurring is because people are still pursuing selfish gain for selfish reasons and allowing people to freely choose to follow Jesus is unacceptable and ultimately will not be tolerated.
The question is where will you stand when faced with the choice between “choosing freewill” and submitting to the will of those who do not share the faith you hold dear?
I am afraid the chance to answer that question is closer than you might think!
Galatians 5:1, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
