The podcast discusses the concept of free will and the consequences of our choices. It shares personal stories about underestimating consequences and choosing rebellion and indifference to God. It emphasizes the opportunity we have to choose God and be restored.
Our choices have consequences, whether we choose virtue or vice.
Choosing God leads to experiencing His mercy, love, and grace.
Deep dives
The Consequences of Choices
God has granted us the gift of free will and the ability to make choices. However, every choice we make bears consequences, even ones we may not have considered. Whether we choose virtue or vice, telling the truth or lying, there are inherent outcomes tied to our choices. Virtuous choices lead to becoming virtuous individuals, whereas vices lead to becoming vicious. It is crucial to acknowledge that our choices have ramifications, and as adults, God allows us to experience the consequences of our decisions. Though mitigating factors and lack of full knowledge can impact culpability, we must recognize the gravity of our choices and their inherent outcomes.
The Reality of Choosing Sin
When we choose sin or even indifference towards God, we are deliberately choosing its consequences, even if we may not fully understand or acknowledge them. Indifference to God involves prioritizing personal desires over what God wants for us. The wages of sin, as revealed in Scripture, is death. It is essential to realize that even the choice of indifference carries the consequence of separation from God. However, the good news is that we have the opportunity to choose restoration through God's mercy and grace. By recognizing our sins and turning towards Him, we can choose to be restored and experience new life in Jesus.
The Power of Choosing God
Our choices hold great significance, not only when we choose against God but especially when we choose God Himself. We have been bestowed with the incredible dignity that our choices truly matter. Even if we have strayed or may still be tempted to go our own way, we can always choose to stop and turn towards God. By utilizing the freedom and intellect given to us, we can choose God's mercy, love, and grace. When we choose God, we receive God Himself. It is an invitation to actively choose and embrace God, knowing that we will be enriched by His presence and experience the true fulfillment that comes from choosing Him.
Free will is an incredible gift from God that we often underestimate. We truly get to make a choice in every decision that we come across—even the smallest decisions. But guess what we DON'T get to choose?
The consequences.
Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that every action has a consequence built into it. So, if you want a certain result, make a choice. If you choose sin, you get sin. If you choose God, you get God. The choice... is yours.