Do all of our wise decisions in life stem from the influence of the Holy Spirit, and all of our poor decisions are the outcome of our reliance on worldly goods and services?
Indeed. This places the blame on ourselves, even though we deserve the guilt, and gives the honor to God.
Good choices are the work of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God is at work in us is the reason why, as Christians, we make moral decisions. This does not negate the role that we must perform.
When we were sinners, God made us alive through His Holy Spirit. As spiritually dead people, there is nothing we could contribute to our salvation. Yet once we are saved, we are spiritually alive, and we are actively serving God. We are not just passive in our Christian life. The basic text which speaks about this is Philippians 2:12-13: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” It is God who works in us to will. So that is a direct statement that our good choices are the work of the Holy Spirit. But we work it out. We are involved. The Holy Spirit is at work in us and we happily walk in God’s way.
Fleshly desires lead to bad choices
However, it goes without saying that the Holy Spirit is not to blame for our poor decisions. James 1:13–14 states that no one should claim that God is tempting them when they are tempted. For God is not susceptible to evil temptation, and He does not tempt anybody. However, when one’s own desire draws them in, they are all susceptible to temptation. It is [our own sensual cravings that cause us to make poor decisions].
Some may wonder why God punishes us when we sin if the Holy Spirit is the only thing that allows us to do good. Since God does not force us to sin, even though it is necessary that we sin if God does not work in us, this is not the case. Because of our fallen nature and propensity for sin, it is essential.
Choose well
Your decisions have an impact. Making wise decisions helps you increase your faith and understanding of the Lord. Make a poor decision, and you’ll witness your conscience become harden and the Holy Spirit’s light in your life fade. Thus, pray [for the assistance of the Holy Spirit] in order to live a life that glorifies God. And put forth your best effort to serve Him.
