Decisions

From the beginning, we can understand people were created with free will; Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. All people have personal free will choices to make regarding their lives. Ultimately, we have the most important choice, whether or not to believe God exists – this is the first element of faith. Our minds struggle with anything we cannot visualize, yet we know certain things, such as feelings, exist although we can only visualize their effects. The Hebrew writer points out that, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Heb. 11:6 (ESV). Believing God exists is only the beginning. After all, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! – Jas. 2:19 (ESV). Faced with this reality, each person must chose whether or not to follow His plan, and whether or not to harden our hearts. The writer of Hebrews also advises, ”Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”  - HEB 3:15 (ESV). Scripture also reveals the ramifications of refusing to follow God. Those who believe in God and have hearts that are not hard, perhaps choose to follow Jesus, God’s Son. Those who accept Jesus become Christians and have the indwelling Holy Spirit to prompt them to choose God’s desires. At any time, we have the personal choice to stop following God’s desires. It was these people to whom the writer of Hebrews appeals. When we choose to follow God’s plan, we will ask the Holy Spirit to guide us along our unique individual spiritual journey to be with Him eternally.