The ‘Will’ is defined as “the faculty by which a person
decides on and initiates action”. Why do we do the things we do? What is the
source of our individual motivations? In general our motives are determined by
our respective experiences and how we respond to them (10% of what you make it,
90% of how you take it). However, despite our experiences and the “most likely”
direction our lives take, the “road less travelled” is always an option. What
is it that causes us to take that path?
As sinful beings our will is to do that which is evil –
against the law of God. We have been created free moral agents, with choice.
Our first parents made a choice to sin therefore we are born with the default
mode to sin (Psalm 51:5). Based on this the most likely path for us to take is
to do what is wrong. So why do we sometimes choose to do the right thing?
Philippians 2:13 states, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and
to do of his good pleasure.”
How does this happen? How do we get God to both give us the
will and the ability to do what pleases Him – what is right. This comes down to
choice. Do I choose to follow my own default will or do I choose to let God
work in me His will. This is the most difficult of choices. Take the wide well
trodden road or trust another to lead on the road less travelled.
I was recently faced with one such situation. The
deliberateness of my actions shocked me, and has prompted me to think. Years ago
I made the public choice to follow the will of God. This has by no means been a
smooth path, however, it has not been as rough as others have experienced.
Travelling this road comes with a certain level of isolation – compounded with
my natural tendency towards introversion.
Recently I was faced with the choice of an inappropriate
social event or continued isolation. I found myself without regard or thought
to consequences willfully engaging this unholy activity. I knew I was wrong, I
repeatedly told myself to go home… but I didn’t. I scared myself because I
didn’t know that that level of willful determination towards evil was still in
me. The selfish desire to fill a need, without regard to the consequences of
the means by which that need was filled, gave me a jolt.
With that said, how does one yield ones will to the Nobler
power? Longfellow puts it this way:
“All thoughts of ill; and evil deeds,
That have their root in thoughts of ill;
Whatever hinders or impedes
The action of the nobler will; –
All these must first be trampled down
Beneath our feet, if we would gain
In the bright fields of fair renown
The right of eminent domain.”
Paul says we must “die daily”. I was under the impression
that I was immune to certain things I was past certain actions because I was
raised in the church. This recent experience hit me with the fact that I am
still a descendant of Adam and Eve – subject to selfish disdain for what is
right. Because of this I am required to remain vigilant in ALL things (1Peter 5:8), dying
daily to self and selfishness. This is the task at hand…
Hold On
