The Difficulty of Free Will

By Brad Henderson

Yesterdayʼs worship conversation about balancing free will and accountability was incredible. Our ponderings came to mind this morning as I was reading Paulʼs letter to the church at Rome (ch. 12).

“2 Do not model your behavior on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and mature. ”

Hmmm. Sounds good. Putting it into practice everyday might be something of a challenge, though. Too many voices around telling me that I need to have affluence, power, prestige, notoriety and standing in order to be of any worth. What good is having the latest fashions, the fastest car, the most prestigious job titles and living in the most exclusive neighborhoods if Paul is right?

“14 Bless your persecutors; never curse them, bless them. ”

Really? And I say that with all the disbelief and sarcasm of my adolescent daughters. This is not how the world works, Paul. When someone wrongs me, a curse is the first thing out of my mouth, not a blessing. Isnʼt this how God created me? If not, then why does the cursing come so easily?

"17 Never pay back evil with evil, but bear in mind the ideals that all regard with respect."

But I thought free will was all about staking out and defending my territory, and taking care of myself, not engaging in idealism. Ideals are for the naive, not the ones who want to survive and thrive in this world.

"20 And more: If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if thirsty, something to drink. By this, you will be heaping red-hot coals on his head."

Okay, with this one youʼve gone over the edge. Giving my enemy what he needs to survive (and thus grieve me more) flies in the face of everything the world has taught me, and I have to say that youʼve stepped over the line, Paul. What, are you wanting me to live like Jesus or something?