Free Will
What is one of the greatest gifts God has given us as the only created beings made in His image? Free will.
That is an amazing trust and stewardship gifted to us by the Almighty. He placed Adam and Eve on the earth and charged them,
Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground (Genesis 1:28).
God’s Agent in the World
God’s agent in the world had the freedom to choose how to lead all the animals in the world as he desired. He named them whatever came to mind. He ate whatever food he desired for each meal, as long as it wasn’t from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Even then, God gave humanity the freedom to obey or disobey. He allowed each person to choose their own destiny.
Of course, we understand that our ancestors chose to sin and disobey God, and every generation since has chosen of their own free will to obey and disobey. God has given us this gift and ordered the world so that we reap the consequences of our choices. Paul tells us very succinctly, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7).
The annals of human history are filled with individuals who failed, learned from that failure, and then started over and were tremendously successful and influential. This is also a result of our free will. Just because you sinned or failed yesterday does not mean you must wallow in your failure or let it define you. God gives grace and forgiveness (thank you, Lord!). Each of us can get up, do our best to make things right, learn from our mistakes, and chart a better course after our failures.
Choosing a Better Path
I spoke to a student in the weight room early one morning when it was still dark, and I told him how great it was to see him doing his workout first thing in the morning. It guarantees that it gets done when you do it early. He responded that he didn’t use to “be a morning person”, but now sees it as a way to “win the day”, right off the bat! That is a choice that many people are not willing to make! We are not simply the victims of our surroundings; we daily choose our attitudes, actions, and responses.
As we begin this new year, let us each use this gift given to us by God to choose the actions needed to make this an amazing year! What is God leading you to do well this year? How can you become or be more of what God wants you to be?
- Be diligent in praying more
- Connecting with friends to build up and encourage one another more regularly
- Serve others well in your church or neighborhood
- Be more generous to others (or to ministries that count on generous partners)
- Choose to be more active and healthier with diet and exercise
We begin this new year with incredible expectations. Our students return to classes and we are blessed to engage with over 1000 students this year, both on campus and online. Would you pray for those students and all of us who are honored to serve them well?
May God lead and guide you in this New Year and fresh start!
Ken B. Kemper
President
