The Precious Gift of Freedom of Choice

Daily Devotional, Wednesday, June 8, 2022
…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)

Why did God not stop Eve and Adam from eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil? It would have spared us sin, death, and the accompanying misery. This is a common question and argument.

The answer lies in the precious gift of freedom of choice. God gives us this privilege so that we obey Him out of love, not coercion. Animals do not possess this gift.

Choose Life

he following verses demonstrate this principle:
“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20).

God Respects Our Choices

With freedom of choice, there is no middle ground. God stipulates the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. He respects our decision, even when we choose to reject Him.

However, through the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and God’s messengers, our loving God does not give up on us. He keeps persuading us to choose life. Would He be just and fair if He created us without the freedom to choose our thoughts and actions?

Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the gift of freedom of choice. Help me choose life and not death.