I have recently been engaged in a discussion with a friend about the smorgasbord of belief systems available to someone seeking truth in the spiritual realm. I asserted that we were free to choose what we believe, but that those choices come with consequenses. My friend was a little skeptical so I thought I should back up my assertion with fundamentals from my chosen belief system.
I certainly believe that one of the most profound gifts God has given humanity is the ability to choose. From the beginning, we are presented with decisions that shape our lives and destinies. While this freedom is an expression of God’s love and respect for us, it also carries the weight of responsibility—every choice has consequences, both temporal and eternal.
In Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT), Moses pleads with the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses… Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Moses’ words echo across time as a divine invitation and a sober warning. God does not coerce obedience or love. Instead, He sets before us clear paths and beckons us to choose the one that leads to life.
Similarly, Joshua 24:15 (NLT) presents a bold declaration and a challenge: “But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve… But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua recognized that neutrality was not an option. Life demands decisions—about whom we serve, what we value, and how we live.
Similarly, Jesus affirms this principle. In Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT), He warns, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Christ speaks plainly: the path of ease and popularity often leads away from God, while the way of truth and life requires intention, self-denial, and perseverance. Every step down either path stems from choices—both big and small—that accumulate into a life direction.
Paul underscores the transformative potential of right choices in Romans 12:2 (NLT): “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.” He is reminding us that our choices are not merely external acts; they stem from inner convictions. As we yield our will to God and allow Him to renew our minds, we gain the discernment to make godly decisions.
However, Scripture is also unflinching in presenting the consequences of disobedient choices. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3) unleashed sin and death into the world. Lot’s wife looked back toward Sodom and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Ananias and Sapphira chose deceit and faced judgment (Acts 5). These stories are not meant to paralyze us with fear but to awaken us to the gravity of free will.
But we are not left to navigate these choices alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to choose wisely. Galatians 5:16 (NLT) urges: “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” We are not bound by our impulses or past mistakes. Grace offers both forgiveness and strength to walk a new path.
Ultimately, I would argue that every choice is a reflection of what or whom we worship. Do we choose temporary pleasure over eternal joy? Popular opinion over divine truth? Our own way or God’s will? The Bible consistently presents a duality: life or death, blessing or curse, narrow way or broad road.
Free will is a gift, not a trap. I believe God desires that we use it to align ourselves with Him, not because we are forced to, but because we recognize that His way is best. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:13 (NLT), “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Our part is to choose—to respond, to obey, to follow.
Each day is full of choices. Some seem small; others may define our future. But all of them matter. Let us, like Joshua, declare with conviction and clarity: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” And in doing so, let us discover the joy and fullness of life that comes from choosing well.
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study