Based on John 12:1-11 (New King James Version)
“Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.’ Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.”
What is the thing that finally dictates what a person decides or how they act? In science, the idea of nature vs. nurture has been discussed for quite some time. In other words, one group thinks that a person does what they do because of what they have inside. And another group thinks that a person’s upbringing or influences are what dictate a person’s actions. And well, who is finally right? If we see it through the Scriptures, both perspectives have some validity, but there is something else that needs to be added so the answer can be complete.
The Scriptures teach us that there is such a thing as desire, and a person is born with that, and so, this forms part of the nature they were born with. We see this: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:12-15. Now then, if we understood what we read, there is such a thing as the nature that one carries within themselves. But also, we also see the power of choice. We read that there is a blessing for the person that endures temptation and achieves approval. We see also mentioned those that love Him (God). All of these things are evidence of the power of choice.
Now then, by seeing the issue of choice, it is understood that influences have something to do with it as well. A human being is not born with intellect. Instead, intellect is acquired together with their development. But even though influences and intellect have something to do with what a person does, they are not the final factor either. Each person is born with a soul (which is the greatest likeness we have with God), and the soul is what connects this physical world, the nature of a human being, and the intellect of person. Reason is found in the soul; which is what separates us from the animals. Animals generally act based on instinct. Mankind has the capacity to act based on reason, and reason is what gives us the power of choice. There is the basis of everything that makes the difference in a person; that which finally dictates the direction in which a person acts. And here is where the Scriptures bring it all together: “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” Ezekiel 18:20. So then, neither a person’s nature (what is inherited) is finally responsible, nor the influences, but rather, the soul or the reasoning of a person is what finally dictates a decision. The reasoning of a person acts as an impartial balance within themselves and weighs all things together. So finally, a person decides what they decide through their reasoning and that’s it. And this is what makes God’s judgment possible, because we all “decide” to either look for God or to reject Him, and we cannot blame our nature or our influences. They are factors, but they are not the final step. Each person has this capacity to choose.
So then, this is what the Scriptures continue teaching us: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:18-25. Everything is about choice.
Martha chose to follow and serve the Lord. Mary chose to follow and worship the Lord, not caring about what others might think of her. Judas Iscariot chose to continue thinking about money and stealing. Many of the Jews chose to believe and to look for Jesus. But also, the chief priests decided that not only was Jesus a problem for them, but also Lazarus; and that they both needed to be killed. This is what also shows us that the persecution of those that choose to follow Christ will not be mystery, because the world will prefer choosing for evil and sin than for that which produces real life. And they will hate us and kill us because of the Lord’s Truth.
So then, this is the end of the matter: What are you going to finally choose to do with your life? Lord bless! John