Free-will is a precious gift. God created us with the ability to make personal choices for the common good. This ability can be misused, as in, “It’s MY body, and I have the RIGHT to do as I choose.”
Fortunately, in Canada we have laws that limit selfishness. (We also have injury lawyers!) The Ten Commandments still serve as a basis for our judicial system. They also influence moral conscience regarding theft, murder, adultery, slander, fraud, etc. Justice is still demanded for certain behaviour.
Another thing, God has designed our free-will with a ‘built-in’ regulator. We are never completely free because every choice has a consequence. Simply stated, “A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7) This “sowing and reaping” principle is a fact of life.
When one we love continually makes sinful choices we are concerned. “Why?”, because “he who sows wickedness reaps trouble.” (Proverbs 22:8) Bad choices contribute to self-destruction, and hurt many people.
I fear the slavery that destroys. The Bible notes,
“…you are slaves to the one who you obey. – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16) Many have witnessed the “ever-increasing” nature of slavery to an addiction.
We are thankful for those who care enough to intervene when by destructive behavior we hurt others or ourselves. Even then the self-determined argue, “It’s MY life — MY right!” Selfishness itself is an enslaving addiction.
Freedom from slavery to sin begins with calling sin “SIN”. God calls our sins by name so we cannot deceive ourselves in regard to their destructive nature. I read:
“Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
How great is the love of God that He intervenes to rescue us from ourselves! “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Make no mistake, we are responsible for our choices; we are accountable to God:
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Indeed, “It’s MY life _MY right”, and to be sure, God will respond accordingly. In spite of myself, Jesus loved me, and “set me free from the law of sin and death.” I choose to follow Jesus!! Mine is eternal life, and life to the full!
“Are you with me?!
Pastor Bill Terris