DailyConnections.net

FRIDAY THOUGHT 3/6/09

The Stiff-necked, Stubborn Christian
 
My greatest failing (no, we are not taking a poll here) falls into the category of stiff-neckedness — pride, arrogance, mule-like stubbornness.  (The family motto could be: “Don’t tell me what to do!”) 
 
I think it has something to do with free will, which I cherish and yet find perplexing.  It can be a real challenge to individuals and  to whole churches, as people put gotta-be-me ego ahead of faith.  But it does allow us to make our own choices and to come freely to the people we love and to God.  No coercion.  We arrive at God’s door when we are ready to enter … and we are free to leave at any time.
 
My point:  A bit murky this morning, I confess, but I do know (thanks to Mr. Lewis, see below) that free will is a good thing.  After all, it’s that same stiff-necked stubbornness that enables us to take a stand and then to stand fast in our faith.  So, celebrate the gift of free will and faith. — jri
 
“If a thing is free to be good it is also
free to be bad.  And free will is what
has made evil possible.  Why, then,
did God give them free will?  Because
free will, though it makes evil possible,
is also the only thing that makes
possible any love or goodness or joy
worth having.”
        –    C.S. Lewis
               (Mere Christianity)   
 
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John R. Ingrisano
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 487-3722
john@DailyConnections.net