October 27, 2018, Free Will = Free to Choose, It Pleases Our Creator.
I often hear anti-religious people say things that begin with, “If God really exists, why doesn’t he …” The answer is almost always free will. After raising 3 children to adulthood, I have a new perspective on free will.
As a dad, I tried to teach my kids how to make good choices and I want them to make those choices on their own. Even when they ask me for help, I’m reluctant to tell them what to do or guide them with selective information.
I’ve instilled in them basic values and principles for life. I want them to grow skilled at collecting information, considering possibilities, and making the best choice for themselves. I like them to share their thoughts with me and seek my advice, but I’m always hoping they will make good choices for themselves with as little help from me as possible. Mostly I enjoy the interaction and respect—the relationship of being a dad. Since I love them, I also want to nudge them in a better direction if they’re about to make a big mistake, but even then, I don’t want to be pushy or authoritarian. I like to offer encouragement when they are weary. I’m pleased when they consult each other to find encouragement and ideas. I know they will make bad choices sometimes. I just hope they will learn from their mistakes and I’m always here for them if they need my guidance. I’m disappointed when I have to give them blunt direction because it means they failed and it diminishes them as humans. I only direct bluntly when they seem so lost or oblivious that there’s no other way to connect with them.
I think God works in a very similar way. He’s giving us basic values and principles for life through scripture and our conscience. He guides us gently and minimally with his Spirit. He’s given us minds to think and communities of believers for guidance and support. It pleases God when we use these things to exercise our free will and do what’s right.
I believe that’s why God rarely gives supernatural direction. His supernatural interference in our lives diminishes our free will.