Whether or not our wills are free, they are ours, and they are weak.
Stubbornness is our only power of will.
Of whatever use our wills are to us,
They rarely affect much good to our souls.
Of what do we wish our wills were free?
Of what nature are they? We were glorious,
But we are wrecked glory,
And there is no boasting there.
The will to do good is present with me,
But how to perform?
Sin governs against the law of my mind,
Flesh fighting a willing spirit
But thanks be to the Deliverer,
Who cried “Not this will,
But, Yours, LORD!”
Your desires, intentions, Your fire.
And He gave us power to be sons of God
not of the will of the flesh
nor of the will of man
but of GOD.
Romans 7, John 1:12-13, Matthew 26:39-42
Dear Maribeth,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I'd like to ask you; what made you decide to choose this theme? I mean, what motivated you to ponder the issue of human will and God's Will? It is a vital topic and I'd like to know your thought. Thank you!! Kinuko
Hello Kinuko!
DeleteThere was a forum discussion online by several philosophers, and while it was somewhat interesting, I realized I had never studied what God says about man's will. There are many references to man's spirit throughout the Word, which I think is closely related to the will. We are body, soul, and spirit; all three are from God and will return to Him. We know from creation that spirit is the breath of God (Genesis 2:7). Spirit, I think, is what defines a person. So it's incredible to know that Eternal God, gives us HIS SPIRIT, because ours only know the things of man (1 Cor 2). There is much more to learn.. There are so many good promises that are easy to argue about, and I forget they are true whether or not we can wrap our finite minds around them! -MB
Dear Maribeth, thank you so much for your reply! This week, I have been digging the issue of modern CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) movement and its background philosophy. Maribeth, sometimes, I feel like I am a lost child in the vast field, surrounded by so many different teachings, streams and my own sins! Whenever I come to your blog, however, I feel relieved, knowing that there is a person who is quietly thinking the deep issue. You are like an oasis for me!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right. It's amazing that Eternal God gives us His Spirit. Regarding this theme, I've just started reading A.W.Tozer's "Man, The Dwelling Place of God." It find it very interesting and edifying.
Have a blessed week, Maribeth! from Kinuko
Kinuko- Will be interesting to hear your research. It's rather wonderful that Jesus gave us song, psalms and hymns for teaching and admonishing (Col. 3). I think it must be a hard road to be a popular pastor or song artist, so many temptations.
DeleteI am so glad you find some refreshment here and share your thoughts as well! -MB