For A Season

Freedom To Choose In the image of God man was made. We were created to be of His kind. Materially composed as His physical type, given His form, a measure of His mind. His Spirit is in us, given as a gift— It sets us apart, makes us unique. No animal can see the wonder in life, ponder the origin, realize the mystique. Given our time to live in this flesh— Our design is magnificent, yet imperfect. We have chosen our path. God’s way we reject. With our every devise— Every idea of the wise, Even after continuous sacrifice . . . Suffering remains in our children’s eyes. Many continue in their Heavenly conviction— Even in a world with evil and disharmony replete, A creator God such a contradiction . . . Yet, their understanding seems so complete. But, if God is merciful, if He is kind— Why does He allow suffering and pain? What goes on in His mind? Is our world just an amusement, a game? If He is all-powerful as it is said— Can’t he remove evil from every place? Must it remain—shouldn’t it be banned instead? Is He powerless in its face? No small wonder then, that so many reject His law, finding favor in the law of men. To them His deal seems so raw. Many believe they shouldn’t deny themselves any of life’s fun? After all, is not this life we have our only one? Yet the purpose, and the mystery is revealed— The answers are contained in His word, It need not be so concealed Or as so often, considered absurd. God does not punish— Does not angrily intervene, Though our sins He will admonish Our actions to Him are obscene. He allows us the consequence— Shortsightedness results in suffering. His laws are spiritual in essence, Set in motion, and self-enforcing. So, the cause of suffering can be known. We’ve all realized the truth in retrospect— We reap what we have sown, Our sins are the cause, suffering the effect. He has given us the gift of free will— Our own freedom of choice. Though our stewardship of it woeful, for it mankind should rejoice. Without it we couldn’t reach our higher purpose. His righteous character could not be learned, Our behavior dictated by an outside force— Like robots, preprogrammed. This gift for us reveals His wisdom. Our trials and anguish make us stronger. Developing our character for that age to come— A time when we will not suffer any longer. This physical life is but a droplet in time, And our sufferings cannot compare, To our incredible potential so sublime— An eternity of life, for us all to be made aware. So, our suffering is not God’s intent. He wants us, from our hearts to choose— Turn from evil ways and repent. This race is ours to loose.