“The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden- except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’” (Genesis 2:15-17 NLT)
It’s interesting to me that the expression “free will” isn’t found in the Hebrew or Greek manuscripts of the Bible, yet the Bible is filled with examples of the need to take responsibility for our actions. From the very beginning, as revealed in the verses above, the Lord called Adam to accountability in regard to the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Having now had access to the carnage of man’s decision to break that commandment, is it any wonder we still wrestle so violently with our will? Can anyone legitimately question whether we are, in many unmistakable ways, the master of our own destiny? Yet, how many times do we hear and likely have said, “Things just didn’t work out like I expected.”
We want things to go well, but “things” are too often governed by the desires of our heart that long for personal fulfillment. We want things done our way in our time with results in our favor. When the center of our universe is ourselves, it’s hard to reckon with the commands of someone who desires to rule our life. But here’s the critical issue with which we must come to terms: This Person isn’t a dictator; He’s a loving Father who only has our best interests at heart.
On many levels our relationship with God is like a child to their father. As a rule, young children want to obey their parents; they want to be loved, cherished, treasured as important, not treated like a thing, a possession, a piece of furniture. They believe their obedience should and will be rewarded with love, and that’s exactly as it should be. But in the world in which we now live, because too many parents aren’t emotionally equipped to deal with children, they seek to rule them in unhealthy ways, resulting in adults who have distorted and very unhealthy attitudes and impressions of what a father should be.
The development of our will begins in our formative years and is largely shaped by the environment in which we grow up. If our mother and father were loving, kind, generous, provided well for our needs and seemed genuinely interested in our wellbeing, it’s easy for us to trust, to see good in people and to open our heart to a loving God. But if, on the other hand, they were angry, unpredictable, violent, uncaring, didn’t provide well and generally made us feel we were never wanted, were in the way, didn’t belong, our will is driven inward and it becomes very difficult to trust anyone, even a loving God.
So, what’s my point? Choosing to love and serve God is a step of faith that is rewarded with an eternal security, such that we never have to doubt that the God who made a promise to “never leave or forsake us” is a God of His Word. We can know with certainty that what Jesus said is true because His life verifies that everything about Him is genuine, pure, holy, and 100% believable.
That’s why when I put my “yes” on the proverbial table, I laid my “free” will right beside it. When I opened my heart to Jesus and received His forgiveness and eternal life as a gift of grace, I traded my will for His, my heart for His, my desires for His, my hopes, dreams aspirations for His. Whatever He wants is what I want because He knows me best and loves me most – even more than I love myself.
I can’t and won’t lose my salvation because I’ve entrusted it’s safe keeping to the only One who ever loved me enough to die in my place, pouring out His life’s blood on my behalf. And here’s the really great news! He did that for you also. Here’s the truth – If you’d been the only person on earth who needed a Savior, He would have still died, just for you. You can trust that Person to rule your life. I have for more than 60 years, and He’s never lied, hurt me, or done anything that hasn’t been in my best interests.
Please stop running from Him, trying to rule your own life. It’s hopeless. Please tap anewstory.com and let Him know you’re ready to give Him your will and submit to Him your life and allegiance for all eternity. You will literally NEVER regret it! The Lord Jesus paid a dear price to purchase your freedom; you can trust Him to guard it with His life. Let Him break the shackles of selfishness that have imprisoned you and free you to finally be all He created you to become.
How free is “free” will? It’s free for you to give to whomever you choose. Please choose wisely!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 