Theology Blog

I believe that God has given us free will, the will and ability to choose (or even to choose not to choose).  While I have many friends who do not share this belief, I think even they would have to admit that we have some level of choice.

There are challenges with free will however. Having free will does give us the ability to choose, it gives us great freedom and tremendous opportunity and potential. That said, free will can come at a great cost. Our choices have resulting outcomes, some of which can be painful. Some of our choices lead to painful results, outcomes or consequences. Simply having choice does not mean that we will always make the right or perfect choice. It also does not mean that the choices of others will not impact our otherwise good choices.

God gave us free will, but with the freedom to choose comes the cost of pain, loss and consequences. Its in those moments that I often wish that I did not have free will or that I question God’s decision to give that to me. Yet, the better part of me knows that in the midst of consequences and pain there comes with free will an opportunity for great success, happiness and a positive outcome. With freedom can come great joy. If only it were easy and painless.