Quote:
Originally Posted by alwayscurious
What does free will look like in the day to day life of a normal Christian? I have been feeling under attack in my mind as of late relating to this matter. I don't really know how to explain this as it's just in the back of my mind, and I can't ever seem to be at peace. I feel like I am imprisoned within my own thoughts. I'm an over-thinker (if that's not obvious yet, LOL)...
I say "day to day" because I'm not talking about predestination vs free will. This may sound stupid, but I'm talking about free will as in what to do for the day, what to buy, what to eat, and in matters that are to come like in who to date/marry (the other being a Christian), what job to have, what car to get, etc... Maybe I shouldn't post this but I'm going to go ahead and do it. I haven't explained it in the way I really want to due to a lack of words at the moment, but I have been feeling trapped as of late, especially these past few months relating to this.
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Hi alwayscurious,
You can't feel trapped - I AM TRAPPED.
Just kidding.
But I do relate to your question.
Your question here reminded me of a related question I asked a while back on this forum - how do you know the Lord's leading? Here's the link to that thread in case any of the discussion there helps you:
http://localchurchdiscussions.com/vB...ead.php?t=6145
Some answers are helpful, some not as much. Hopefully some there will help you. I found the most help from hearing things like "just live" and "we are free in Christ to live our lives, etc". There is truth to the facts that we can't take a step without God, that He sustains us, we depend on Him for every step, yes, however.......in practical living, Witness Lee literally made it seem like we were not allowed to make any decision without getting some kind of green light from the heavens, or from within ourselves (our spirit), or some speaking or trumpet of "leading" from the Lord.
That isn't really what happens. The reason God can judge us at the end is because we do have free will and discernment to made decisions and choose paths. The local church has an atmosphere of the "paralysis of analysis", and the thought that we can make our own decisions ends up feeling overwhelming. I'm actually right there now - got some big decisions to make and I'm literally letting weekend after weekend go by.....as major deadlines get closer......and I'm trapped. Can't move. Because I'm not used to making decisions and bearing the consequences......and these are normal things that people all over the world deal with every day without this dumb struggle I'm having.
I think there's more I want to add, but I gotta run...can't type too much at work.
Trapped