Self-determination Is Misleading

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Pr 19:21 AV)

We like options.  We like to think we are in control.  Yet, we are only in control to the extent God allows us to be.  This is the meaning of the proverb above.  No doubt, Solomon is giving sound advice to his son who will more than likely, sit on his throne.  The king might have a greater degree of deception in thinking he is the sovereign of his own life.  He may make decisions that in his mind, are an exercise of complete self-determination.  Because he commands an army and governs kingdoms, he may think he is far more able to command his own life.  This is not the case. As Solomon shares with him, you might imagine all sorts of things, but you can only do what God allows.  This rule applies to us all.  We have a misguided idea of self-determination.  We think we have absolute liberty to make whatever decisions we wish to make.  It may even appear that way.  But God has not thrown in the towel.  His is still in control.  He may allow us to make some, and maybe even most, decisions, but He is in control of the options.

It is interesting how much a child thinks he or she has the freedom to do as they please.  What they do not realize, is that Mom and Dad have removed the ability to make certain choices they would otherwise make.  We put things too dangerous for them out of reach.  We serve them a meal with that which we want them to eat and hide what might be tempting them to choose otherwise.  As they grow, we might fill their day with responsibilities or activities to limit the choices of other, more harmful choices.  My father encouraged us to get our driver’s licenses as soon as we were legally allowed to drive.  Instead of giving us keys to the car with no restrictions, he sent us on errands so we experienced the responsibility and freedom of driving, yet without the temptation to go places we shouldn’t go.  I have had diverticulitis.  This is not comfortable.  It was hard to walk.  Several rounds of very potent antibiotics later, I learned I may have the liberty to eat popcorn, but I don’t have the freedom to.  When it came to marrying my wife, there were other single girls at church.  Yet it was Lisa who was the LORD’s will for me.

I have seen many people make decisions God did not want them to make because they felt they had the freedom to do so.  Consequences would speak otherwise.  The ungodly pass it off as bad luck or bad karma.  We may assume one choice to be no better or worse than another.  Yet God does have a plan.  He will execute it.  He will limit opportunities.  He will craft circumstances.  He will provide blessings.  He will show mercy.  He will guide us in the right way.  He will use our life regardless of what we do.  All is for His glory and even though we do have freedom of choice, we have this because God allows it.  We are responsible to make the choices He would desire.  If not, He is obligated to reveal those choices to be the wrong ones.  I guess what Solomon is driving at is to instruct his children of the misnomer of complete self-determination.  It does not exist.  We are what we are and have done what we have done because God allows it.  We may have many ideas or dreams, but the whole disposing of it is of the LORD.  He has been in control.  He is in control.  And, He will always be in control.

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