The Choice
Why did our Creator endow us
with the gift of free will, which makes us capable of hatred and evil?
Free will is the most sublime element of our
human nature. Whenever we see great evil done by others (or by ourselves!), the
question can arise, "Why did our Creator endow us with this gift of free
will, which makes us capable of hatred and evil?" The answer, of course,
is that, without our free will, you and I would be incapable of love and
goodness. God gave us this gift of freedom simply so that we could love and
choose Him! So this is the drama of human life: how do we use or abuse our
freedom?
Joshua stresses this point - no one is forced
to know, love and serve God. Ultimately, we can (and too often do!) choose to
serve false gods (as is the case, for instance, when we put our pursuit of
money or prestige ahead of our dedication to God). But Joshua gives the timely
reminder that the exercise of our free will bears weighty consequence, for good
or for ill. So the psalmist reminds us: When, with all of our heart, we choose
and recognize the Lord as our inheritance, you and I are using His gift of free
will for its intended purpose, and so, our life is filled with the consolation
of His presence - "With Him at my right hand, I shall not be
disturbed!"
Free will actually makes us like God - after
all, He did not have to create us, and redeem us, and choose us and love us
every moment of our existence! He chose (and chooses!) us, not because He needs
us, or is dependent on our help, but rather because He has freely decided to
give of Himself to His beloved children, to embrace and bless for all eternity
those who choose Him and come to Him!