The Gift of Free Will

Written by Patricia Zimmerman

You Are a Co-Creator of Life, Not a Victim

To believe that God is a “Great Puppet Master” controlling our fate is to remain a victim of life. This belief makes it easy to blame God when things don’t go our way. Remember: There are no victims in life—only co-creators of circumstances.

How often do we hear people say:

  • “God did this…”

  • “God said that…”

Rarely do we hear:

  • “Man did this…”

  • “Man said that…”

It’s time to accept responsibility for the world we have created, both personally and collectively.

  • God did not create wars—man did.

  • God did not create poverty—man allowed it.

  • God did not create greed and selfishness—man did.

If God truly determined our future, what happened to free will? God gave us the greatest gift: free will, which comes with one requirement—responsibility for our actions.

The Law of Cause and Effect (Karma)

What you give out comes back to you. Every thought, word, and action produces a reaction. The world, other people, and life itself act as mirrors, reflecting back what you project.

  • Negative actions bring negative experiences to teach and correct.

  • Positive actions bring positive experiences.

If you want your life to change, change yourself first. Adjust your thoughts, words, and actions. Stay positive, and positive outcomes will follow.

The Spiritual Path

The spiritual journey is about looking inward—even at the things we do not want to see:

  • If you cannot recognize your weaknesses, you cannot turn them into strengths.

  • If you cannot acknowledge your fears, you cannot overcome them.

We are all children of God, and like children, we make mistakes. God allows us to learn from those mistakes.

Our Purpose

Most people ask:

  • Who am I?

  • Why am I here?

We are here to become God-like, to embody the virtues of God in our daily lives. How many of us actively strive to do this? How many of us live the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”?

Key Godly Virtues to Practice:

  • Patience – with self, others, and life

  • Purity – of mind, body, and soul

  • Humility – remembering EGO is Edging God Out

  • Compassion – empathy without pity

  • Forgiveness – for others and for self

  • Kindness – extending love to those beyond your circle

  • Unconditional Love – love without expectation or limitation

Two Questions We Are Asked at Homecoming

  1. How did you increase the Light and Love of the world?

  2. How was the world a better place because of your presence?

If we lived to spread love instead of fear, life would truly be fulfilling. When we fall off this path, life becomes miserable.

Truth: Living to please yourself alone is fleeting. Living to help others, to make their lives better, is rewarded eternally.

Blessings on your journey!