Free Will Isn't Free

“Free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love

or goodness or joy worth having.”

– C.S. Lewis

(1898-1963) Author

Free will is an odd thing.  We want it and yet we don't.  We want to be able to exercise our free will but at the same time stop others from exercising theirs.  It is one thing to claim that we believe in freedom of choice, speech, decisions and actions and yet we create laws that take all those freedoms away.  Free will however is the one freedom that no one can take from you.

                Success-minded people know that there are those in this world, who, given the opportunity, will do what is dishonest and hurtful to others.  They see that there are many who lack manners, a sense of good will or even basic kindness to others.  It is easy to want to create laws and restrictions to stop these people, however, you cannot do that without taking away your own freedoms.

                All freedoms; the freedom of speech that allows us to speak our minds; freedom of religion that allows us to worship where and how we choose; the freedom of the press that allows us to read what we want and when; all work for both good and evil.  You cannot restrict one without restricting the others.

                Former First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being.  With freedom comes responsibility."  And this is the key to it all: Responsibility.  You cannot make choices for other people.  You cannot control the actions and thoughts of others.  You can however be responsible for your own actions and therefore do your part to make the world better.

                I know that many think that what they do does not matter in the big picture.  If you are good or bad makes really no difference at all.  That is very untrue.  You matter a great deal and when you do wrong, we all suffer for it.  When you do good, we all benefit.

                Freedom is difficult at times.  We all what to control or even eliminate evil from the world.  That is not going to happen.  There will always be evil people and those who do wrong.  However, if we set the standard and help our clients to do right and make good choices, we can live better and happier lives.  It is our freedom to make right decisions that will do the most good, not the restricting of freedom in others.

                You matter to the world.  You are here to make a difference and that difference is good.  Remember the qualities of a real success-minded person: Be your best.  Love God.  Have good manners. Discover the unknown.  Change the world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey