“Our Free Will”
As I have inched my way further into motherhood, I have often wondered how on earth I would face difficult questions our children might ask. You know, the ones that are awkward, uncomfortable and leave you uncertain of how far to go on the topic. Kids are notorious for diving into curiosity and putting us on the spot. Many times, my prayer evolved into, “Lord, just please show me what to say when my children start asking,” and then one day the prayer became a reality when a string of questions arrived…
As my daughter and I were driving along, she blurted out, “Mom, how can a mama and a daddy have a baby when they are not married and what does gay mean?”
Me: Ummm……
Her: “I thought you had to be married to have babies and I have heard that word said but don’t know what it means.”
My daughter had not learned the dynamics of the birds and the bees yet, and I wasn’t certain I was ready to unleash the details of how that occurred, but I knew her mind was seeking answers; answers I knew I wanted her to learn with the right information. I took a deep breath and coincidentally recalled a friend’s words, “always start with creation, the beginning.” So, I did. I took it all the way back to Genesis and the original plan.
God’s Word had taken root in my heart a long time ago and I felt it surfacing. I began explaining that God created man and woman as a family on earth (Genesis 2: 22-24). He had big plans for them and loved them dearly, but by their mistake, sin entered the world. (Genesis 3:6-7). I explained that despite the sin, God had a plan. His love remained and a choice, or free will, was given to us and that the same concept still applies today, God’s love and our choice.
As I eased my way a bit further into the discussion, I gently explained that God’s intention for a family was after marriage as they held each other a way God intended, but with our sinful nature we have opportunity to act on emotions, make decisions and fill our hearts with things beyond God’s love. Yet, even with choices, God’s gift of mercy, love and redemption through Christ works within our lives reminding us of His love and plan for us in life.
Surprised by the ease of God’s Word within the conversation I inched my way into the distortion of the rainbow. I went on to mention that sometimes our flesh and emotions can lead individuals to believe they are attracted to someone God never intended them to be, possibly even one of the same gender, and through a choice they step onto a path against God’s plan. Just like God’s creation with Adam and Eve, choices point back to free will. We have a choice to say no to the enemy and misleading thoughts, but the key is realizing it is a choice.
Our world is filled with a message that proclaims we should allow our desires to direct our plans in life. But our children need to be led to the significance of Romans 8: 6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” This verse reminds us to be mindful of what we are submitting to daily, the enemy’s schemes or the Holy Spirit. It’s a choice to be made.
When we return to God’s Word for explanations it truly becomes simple. Our sinful nature leads us to choices that can cause us to dishonor God’s plan, but His love and gift of mercy through His Son is so large that nothing can separate us from His redemption. Learning to see this is key. As children of God, may we speak truth from His Word into others and not shy away from difficult conversations. We are equipped to answer when we start with God’s Word.
