Who rules?

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9)

We call it man’s free will.  It is a term we will not find in the bible.  Rather the term was only introduced into western Christianity by the second-century theologian Tertullian.  Yet, scripture alludes to the concept of free will from the time of Joshua – “Choose you this day who you will serve” (24:15) to the gospel of John – “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (7:17) 

Free will refers to the commanding force that decides what we will do in any given situation.  We all have it, and it is powerful.  Sometimes the choice we make with our free will is a good one.  Sometimes, well – not so good.  Free will motivates our decisions, determines our commitments, and calculates our choices.  My guess is that Satan loves free will, for it can easily drive humans to do wicked, sinful, and foolish things that have a heavy price tag on them.

Free will also causes anxiety and fear in the hearts of many.  Some of it, a result of the actions and decisions that people we love choose, as we watch them turn in the opposite direction of God’s commands.  Some of it, a result of the actions and decisions that come from the free will of world leaders like Kim Jong-Un in North Korea, Xi Jinping in Beijing, China, and Vladimir Putin in Moscow.  Even in our own country our nerves can get jittery over the free will of those in Congress, the Senate, and the White House.  Then there is the general population that disturbs us with their choices on abortion, sexual preferences, and lifestyles.  See the power that free will has in this world?

So, what can we do about free will in an age of such darkness and despair?  First, we need to be certain that the choices we make with our own will are in line with the word of God.  It is always wise before we make a final decision about anything, that we consult not only scripture, but we spend time talking to its Author.  But there is one other thing, something of the utmost importance that we need to keep in mind.  The verse I chose for this week’s blog is found in Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course…….BUT the Lord establishes their steps.” 

I encourage you to NEVER forget the truth that the freewill of mankind will NEVER extinguish or overthrow the sovereign power and will of our God!

                                                                  Darlene