Freedom of Will: A Tool for Virtue or Potential for Sin?
The concept of freedom of will, a gift from God, is often fraught with complexity. This natural inclination to choose between good and evil can be likened to a double-edged sword. It serves as both a means to defend oneself and a tool that, when misused, can lead to sin. Understanding the nature of freedom of will and its relationship with sin is crucial for anyone seeking to live a life of virtue and communion with God.
God's Gift: Freedom of Will
Freedom of will is a divine gift that enables humans to make choices. According to divine principles, this faculty helps us choose correctly to remain in the friendship of God. When we opt for evil over virtue, we are essentially turning against God's will. This choice represents a form of sin, which is fundamentally defined as rebellion against God.
Like a double-edged sword, freedom of will has the power to protect the individual and also to cause harm. This duality is especially pertinent in the face of various temptations. A person who has not been blessed with the strength and moral fortitude to resist these temptations can easily fall into sin. However, with God's help, which is readily available through prayer, it becomes possible to navigate these challenges.
Prayer as a Path to Protection
Prayer is a critical tool in the battle against sin. Material prayers, such as those for personal gain, may not always be answered immediately or at all. In contrast, spiritual prayers offered with a contrite and humble heart are immediately answered. This divine protection becomes a vital source of strength for those who seek to stay free from sin. Even amidst a barrage of temptations, the humble and sincere soul can find refuge in prayer.
The weak and vulnerable nature of humans makes it exceedingly difficult to lead a life completely free from sin. We are constantly exposed to various forms of temptation and therefore need ongoing divine assistance to maintain our moral resolve.
Protection Through Devotion
Shirdi Sai Baba's teachings provide valuable guidance on how to avoid sin. He advises his devotees to always offer their actions to their Guru first. By constantly remembering their Guru, they naturally align their actions with what is right and virtuous, lessening the possibility of committing sin. This practice helps maintain a constant vigilance against the allure of wrongdoing.
The decision to consider a deed as sin is subjective. What one person considers a sin, another might not. For instance, the act of sex is often considered a sin by many, yet it is a natural and essential part of the propagation of life. Some individuals experience immense joy and fulfillment from this experience, making it difficult to label it as inherently sinful. The true essence of morality lies in one's personal ethics and responsibility, not in external judgments.
Responsibility and Free Will
Free will allows individuals to make choices based on their moral framework and sense of responsibility. Even if others might consider a particular act as a sin, a person with free will can make a different choice that aligns with their own moral beliefs. Conversely, a person without free will might hesitate to act, even if they see no moral issue with the act.
It is a common belief that those with free will are more likely to commit sins that others consider right, simply because they are not bound by the same ethical framework. However, this assumption is flawed. Ultimately, every human action is determined by the moral standards the individual has established for themselves. Therefore, the notion that a person with free will cannot escape sin is misleading.
Each individual has the power to define and uphold their own moral code, making every choice part of a larger journey of self-discovery and growth. By remaining true to oneself and seeking divine guidance, individuals can navigate the complex landscape of sin and morality with greater ease.
God bless.