After seeing the movie, "The Adjustment Bureau", and how free will versus pre-destination is portrayed the question as to which one you believe is clearly raised. The plot of the movie centers on the basic understanding that our lives are pre-destined to result in a certain way. But then comes along "free will". And everything, from future careers to relationships, is affected. Something as simple as the doors you open and walk through can change where your life is headed in the blink of an eye. The main characters meet at the beginning of the movie, fall hopelessly in love and spend the remaining time finding their lives intersecting which eventually leads them to their ultimate destiny; to stay their course or go their own way.
"Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21/NIV)
So which do you believe; free will or pre-destination? Is it easier to just say, "This was meant to be" while throwing your hands up in the air versus "Did I make the right decision?" The later leaves the responsibility of accountability on us while the former allows us to be absent of (possibly) both. In the above scripture Jesus (clearly) makes a distinction between what it takes to follow Him (absolute sacrifice) and what we receive in the end (ultimate blessing), while telling us what we must do to receive it ("follow me"). If pre-destination is the marker of your faith (which for many it is) then why would Jesus allow us to make the choice to follow Him? Perhaps for the same reason my husband can't make me love him unconditionally and sacrificially. How I met him certainly seems "pre-destined" but ultimately our love had to be of our own "free will".
Thought to live by: The opportunity to follow Christ was arranged (pre-destined) before I was ever conceived; the free will to obey was mine.
"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright 2011
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