Who holds my future?
18th November 2009 by Melanie-Anne Holland
It seems my two favourite shows were linked this week: Flash Forward and NCIS. In Flash Forward everyone was hopeful because they had the belief that the future could be changed (or can it?). Personally, I hope that my future involves 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep and great fair trade coffee. Anyhow. Last night's NCIS finished up with the comment, "You can't change your destiny, but you can challenge it". (I'm not sure I even understand what they mean!)
There is a lot of talk out there about this idea of destiny or fate. In the Church we often use the term, "predestination". It's an interesting idea, that somehow our lives are entirely planned. Sometimes this is comforting (especially when everything seems out of control), but it robs us of the notions of choice and responsibility.
So here's the question: does God micro-manage our lives? Has God planned in advance the T-shirts I wear, the time I wake up each morning and how long my lawn is on any given day? Did God pre-determine what I said to Roscoe this morning? Did God make me blog?
If God has decided all that, then I don't really have to think about anything. I can just kick back for the ride, and end up in the eternal destination of God's choosing - heaven or hell. No contribution on my part.
BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT WE BELIEVE.
We believe the most amazing concept: the Creator of the Universe has personally invited us to participate in His vast schemes, not as drones, but as collaborators. Out of all the galaxy, God has invested ‘choice' in us - so we can choose to co-operate with God in crafting eternity, or not. The fact that we have the choice is cool. The fact that these choices matter is sensational.
Catherine Booth is quoted as saying "There is no improving the future without disturbing the present". It is out of this fabulous notion of choice that Salvos act - sharing salvation, promoting justice, alleviating suffering and seeking holiness.
We are not passive - we are world-changers. So if anyone has some great fair trade coffee, pass it my way, and go make some history.
Melanie
save. grow. serve.
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Comments
This blog is "choice"!
really makes u think, lets not waste our short but precious time on this Earth by keeping our faith to ourselves, let the world know!
Great blog. Such good thoughts from up north :)