Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
How do we choose between safety and freedom when our plans are constantly being disrupted?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've come to understand that our freedom and safety can be intertwined. When we think of freedom, we often associate it with the ability to make choices without external constraints. However, this kind of freedom can be misleading, as it ignores the fact that our choices are still limited by our circumstances and abilities. For instance, my son Joshua may want to be a professional baseball player, but his physical abilities and opportunities may not allow it. The concept of freedom is also closely tied to our understanding of God's involvement in our lives. Some may argue that if God is in control, then our freedom is an illusion. But I believe that God's sovereignty does not negate our freedom. Instead, it's possible that God's guidance and provision can actually give us the freedom to make choices that align with His will. This is similar to how a chess player may have the freedom to make moves, but their ability to play the game well is influenced by their skills and knowledge. In our daily lives, we often face choices that require us to balance safety and freedom. As a family, my wife Susan and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our children, Joshua and Rebecca, while also giving them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. This approach is not about eliminating risks, but about embracing the constraints that can ultimately set us free. By surrendering to God's plan and trusting in His sovereignty, we can find the freedom to live a life that is both safe and fulfilling.
Sources:
christian theology
millard erickson
no doubt about it
winfried corduran
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
practicing the way
john mark comer
dogmatic theology
shedd
systematic theology
wayne grudem
god freedom evil
alvin plantinga
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