Faith without religion.
Exploring the Limits of Divine Intervention: Free Will and Pride
In this episode of HEART OF THE MATTER, host Shawn delves into profound theological concepts surrounding free will and pride, exploring two critical aspects that even God cannot change.
Shawn begins by emphasizing the nature of God as all-powerful and all-good, who created humanity in His image. This creation endowed humans with a unique gift: free will. Unlike other creations, humans possess the ability to think, act, and feel independently, which ultimately makes them responsible for their choices and destinies. Shawn argues that while external circumstances and genetics influence individuals, the capacity to choose remains intact, and this autonomy is a divine characteristic that God respects.
The first aspect that God cannot interfere with is this free will. Shawn explains that if God were to override human choices, it would compromise His nature and the integrity of His creation. The second aspect is pride, which can hinder God’s ability to help individuals. Pride, as Shawn illustrates through personal anecdotes, can lead people away from humility and into a state of self-reliance that distances them from God.
He shares a poignant story about a friend who, once humble and devoted, fell into pride regarding his identity and beliefs. This pride led to a rejection of faith and a reliance on human intellect, ultimately resulting in a spiritual crisis. Shawn highlights that while God can assist those who are humble, pride creates a barrier that prevents divine intervention.
The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of humility before God, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make. Shawn invites everyone to consider the implications of pride and the necessity of returning to a humble state to experience God’s grace and guidance.
As the ministry prepares for a significant shift in the coming year, Shawn encourages listeners to stay engaged and hopeful for the future, emphasizing the transformative power of humility and the importance of community in faith.