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 Because
man is a free moral agent, he does what he chooses to do and is
what he chooses to be (other things being equal). Had God
programmed man, as some foolishly wish, so that he could only do
and desire good, there would be no such thing is morality, or
responsibility, or accountability. With but little serious
reflection, the awesomeness of volition becomes apparent. It
means that responsible men are what they choose to be with
reference to God; that none can be considered blameless. Paul
concludes the Gentiles of old to be without excuse in their
ungodliness. How much more we of this age? None can deny himself
to be anything more or less than the product of his own
choosing, whether with Christ or against Him (Matt. 12:30).
But,
obviously, not all who choose to be against Christ choose to
admit it. In fact, many still call Him "Lord, Lord",
while refusing to do as He says (Lk. 6:46). But man's choice is
always apparent because what he chooses he demonstrates.
Allegiance to the Lord's cause may be proclaimed loud and
long, but it remains that "by their fruits ye shall
know them" (Lk. 6:46) and "he that doeth
righteousness is righteous" (1 Jn.3: 7). So, neither God
nor the devil "made me" do the wrong or kept me from
doing the right. What I did or failed to do reflects MY CHOICE,
— circumstances, situations and all the excuses in the world
notwithstanding! Personal priorities cannot be hidden. They
advertise, sometimes embarrassingly, what we have chosen to
occupy our time, interests and attention. So, like it or not,
your choice is showing.
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But,
not only is man what he freely chooses and demonstrates, he
obviously endorses what he chooses. To endorse simply
means to approve of, to sanction or to give support to. The man
who smokes approves of smoking. The man who drinks sanctions the
practice of drinking and the man who uses profanity certainly
endorses it. How could anyone possibly conclude otherwise? The
same is true concerning affiliation with a certain religious
group. It is not unusual to hear of some in denominationalism or
liberalism expressing dissatisfaction over unscriptural
practices and innovations; yet, with their presence and
contributions continue to demonstrate and endorse a choice
to support the very things they oppose. Wouldn't that be
something like knowing to do good and doing it not — and isn't
that sin? (Jas. 4:17) Some may rationalize. Some may blame the
elders. But individual responsibility and volition are a package
deal. With my choice and its demonstration goes my stamp of
approval. But that's not all.
In
addition, what I choose and endorse, I recommend to others.
Through influence and example, we encourage others to accept our
choices. There is a sense in which every man is a living
testimonial for his lifestyle. As Paul indicates, we are
letters, known and read of all men (2 Cor. 3:2). Our lives
convey an important and influential message. Only the hypocrite
thinks he can write a poor letter and get a good reading. Our
children, our brethren and the world read what we choose,
approve and recommend. Are they better for it? Thankfully we can
still choose to improve! Dan Shipley
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