The Inclination to Sin and the Divine Path of Human Nature

Imagine a world where an unstoppable and all-powerful deity vividly communicates its every command to each and every citizen every evening. This world lacks any form of innovation, serendipity, or excitement. It is stark, devoid of personal choices, and free of the possibility of sin. Yet, this is not the world God desires nor is it what we, as humans, want.

A Free Will Torn between Sin and Virtue

The critical question then arises: How do we reconcile our human nature, which inclines us towards sin, with our divine calling to follow a path of righteousness? The idea that ‘the natural man is an enemy to God’ underscores a deep-seated conflict between our inherent desires and the moral compass we seek to align with God's will.

Understanding Natural Man

A natural man, driven by innate desires, often acts without regard for the consequences, much like a beast of the field. They pursue their needs and desires unhesitatingly, and their primary motivation is self-satisfaction. Man is the only creature capable of discernment and choice, which often leads them to settle for gratification over righteousness. This inherent nature, rather than our free will, shapes our decisions, and until we rise above it, we perpetuate a relationship of enmity with God.

The Journey from Innocence to Experience

Every person eventually chooses their first sin, often due to a moment of weakness or temptation. For instance, a mere choice to take a bike down a dark path where forbidden adventures await. For some, this journey might begin earlier due to trauma or abuse, while for others, it is a more innocuous moment of rebellion. Such moments mark the start of our moral growth and the understanding that sin brings pain and suffering.

At age 8, I faced this choice, and surprisingly, I remember it. The path of righteousness was clear, but the allure of the darkened path was tempting. I chose the latter, not out of malice but out of a morally skewed perspective that saw no consequences. The innocence of childhood was so well-protected and comforting that we often take it for granted. We undervalue it and resort to sin for the thrill and temporary satisfaction it brings.

Reflection and a Path Forward

As I grew, I began to ponder the religious and spiritual implications of my choices. While I intellectually understand that after death, there is nothing that awaits me, my heart still has a place for a God whom I cannot fully explain. I believe that if I had found joy in innocence, I would not have left the straight path so easily. My upbringing in poverty, my parents' shortcomings, and the lack of guidance and dreams all contributed to my decision.

The inclination towards sin is not a condemnation, but rather an opportunity for introspection and growth. It highlights the gap between our free will and our true nature, both as individuals and as a species. The journey to reconciliation with God is a lifelong process of acknowledging our flaws, seeking redemption, and striving for a more virtuous path.

In reflecting on this, we can embrace the complexity of our human nature and the divine path laid before us. It is through this intricate balance that we find our way.