Apologetics

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FREE WILL AS QUALIFIED


“Choose you this day whom you will serve,” Joshua admonished the Israelites. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). He obviously felt that such a choice was possible, granting qualifications. This has given rise to an amazing amount of discussion, in an attempt to factor in deterministic factors. It is with this in mind that the following observations are intended to provide a brief appraisal of the issue.
(1) A person may choose among alternatives that present themselves. It does not follow that he or she recognizes the range of options, or what is involved in the selection. In retrospect, the situation may appear quite different.
(2) One is inclined in sone manner to make the selection. This results in large measure from past experience, and is in keeping with the saying: “If we fail to learn from the past, we are destined to repeat its errors.” While bearing in mind that it is necessary to provide continuity in the context of change.
(3) In making this choice, one must employ the means available. For instance, some goals can be achieved only with the assistance of others. Consequently, we are enjoined not only to expect great things from God, but to undertake great things in his name.
(4) This, in turn, acts as a reminder that we are influenced by the counsel and example of others. Accordingly, we should choose our mentors carefully, and having done so, to take seriously their guidance. Whereas the role of a mentor may be of relatively brief duration, or an extended period of time.
(5) Moreover, we should take into account not only the impact of our decisions on ourselves but others. This is in keeping with the great commandment to love God without reservation, and in conjunction with this to love our neighbors as ourselves. Whether in this regard or some other, one should keep his or her priorities in a good order.
(6) While along with the prospect of being able to fine-tune our decision in keeping with subsequent experience. Such serves as a warning against procrastination, which may be regarded as an unacceptable decision. Conversely, a good decision is calculated to result in compatible decisions of merit.
(7) The process of decision making should be understood within the framework of divine providence. Life is good, providing that it is lived in accordance with God’s gracious design. Otherwise, chaotic conditions result.
As a result of these reflections, I am reminded of a person locally known by the nickname Old Red, since his once reddish hair had turned to gray. I was at the time assisting two pastors engaged in a multi-church ministry. He soon observed that he knew the Bible better than I, which was probably the case—since I had only recently become a Christian. However, he had not made a decision to follow Jesus.
When asked if he would now consider doing so, he replied in the negative. “It is not that God would reject me,” he explained, “but I no longer have an inclination to respond.” While I urged him to reconsider, he remained resolute.
This impressed on me several observations. First, some decisions are more critical than we may realize at the time. Especially in that they may have long range implications. So that an opportunity lost may not be regained.
Second, life is fleeting. Persons “are like the new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered” (Psa. 90:5-6). Consequently, they are enjoined to lay up treasure in heaven, rather than on earth.
Finally, there are ultimately only two ways from which to choose: that of the righteous and of the wicked. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers” (Psa. 1:1). These practices are progressive, implying that we tend to be confirmed in the course we have taken. “But he delights in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” From which he can expect a harvest, and resolve in the face of adversity. As a result, “Whatever he does prospers.” If given a long term perspective.
“Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.” Hence, without root or substance. “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” So choose now between these alternatives, and choose well.

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