"If you don’t choose, you’ve already made a choice!" The words rang out clear and firm. "Whatdoya mean?" Chores. He was running out of time as he dragged his feet. "I hate cleaning my room -- why do I always have to do that?" Responses varied from: "To keep the bugs out!" to a more authoritarian and exasperated "because I said so!"
Blaise Pascal, a young shaker and mover who died in his late 30’s and lived in the 1500’s had a no-nonsense view of life. When he penned that comment, room cleaning was not on his mind. Instead, he was referring to one’s relationship with God.
How might this relate? Relational choice, according to Pascal, is "active." Not choosing is "passive," but has the same consequences as "active." Blaise would see such consequences based on an authoritative and not authoritarian God. The differences are enormous and summarized in the words of Jesus, "Come to Me... and you will find relief and rest." (Matthew 11:30).
Blessings
Chaplain Leigh
