What separates humans from animals? One of the greatest distinctions is our ability to choose between good and bad. Animals act on instinct; they do not wrestle with questions about careers, partners, or death. Humans, on the other hand, know they are mortal and live with the weight of their choices.
God created humans as moral beings, endowed with the freedom to choose right or wrong. If someone wants to steal cookies, God does not hide the jar. Humans are free to steal or to work and buy cookies. If God prevented every wrong choice, freedom would be meaningless, and humans would be reduced to creatures driven only by instinct or pressure.
Freedom is both a great gift and a serious responsibility. Each day, people can choose to love or to harm, to bring peace or to create conflict. History is filled with examples of choices that have blessed the world, as well as choices that have caused suffering.
No one always chooses perfectly. That is why humans need humility and discernment in using their freedom. Reflection helps us learn from past decisions—the good, the bad, and even the painful. We can also learn from the choices of others, without repeating every mistake ourselves.
Choosing is not always easy, but it is in the very act of choosing that we live up to our human dignity. As the book of Deuteronomy says, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life” (Deut. 30:19).
To be human is to choose—and in choosing, we become who we are.
Notes
Kushner H. S. (1981). When bad things happen to good people (pp. 88-90). Anchor Books.
We are the chosen. Great topic. Thank you. Amen
ReplyDeleteRightly said that we are what we choose to be
ReplyDeleteI choose GOD, very happy for my choice.
ReplyDelete