Freedom to choose one’s actions is a fundamental characteristic of humanity. Rather than simply responding in an involuntary manner to stimuli, men and women can react as they see fit (or even refrain from reacting at all) to the circumstances they face.
Because we have this ability, we are accountable for our actions. If we choose to do what is right, we will be blessed; if we choose to do what is wrong, we will be punished.
Nevertheless, we must choose.
We Have the Freedom to Choose.
Jesus acknowledged man’s ability to choose his own actions when He declared:
“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak of My own authority” (John 7:17).
The apostle John also made a similar point when he invited his readers to respond to the Lord. He wrote:
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).
The former statement indicates we have the ability to discern the truthfulness of Jesus’s message if we will make an effort to do so. The latter statement indicates we have the freedom to yield ourselves to God if we desire.
This Freedom Must Be Taken Seriously.
Arguably, the most notable passage of Scripture discussing man’s freedom to choose his own actions is found in the last recorded speech Joshua made to Israel.
Having called the nation to meet with him at Shechem—the same place where God promised to give Abraham’s descendants the land (Genesis 12:7), Joshua recounted the various ways the Lord provided for His people and then called upon them to make a decision. He said:
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
Not surprisingly, the people responded to Joshua’s challenge:
“We will serve the Lord, for He is our God” (Joshua 24:18).
But instead of being thrilled by their declaration, Joshua reminded them of their weaknesses and stated:
“You cannot serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins” (verse 19).
By this statement, Joshua did not mean the people could never be forgiven. He did, however, mean commitment to God demands more than a statement of allegiance made in a fleeting moment.
Those who declare their intention to serve the Lord must dedicate themselves to Him completely. It is a vow that must be taken seriously.
Obedience must follow our profession.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
