Jehovah Limits His Dealings With Humans

Though having the power to do so, Jehovah does not direct and control every detail of human activity. There are reasons for this. One is that humans were created in God's image, having free will, being free moral agents. Jehovah does not force us to do his bidding; neither are we puppets. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Joshua 24:15) Though he holds us accountable for our acts, God has lovingly allowed us considerable freedom to decide how we will manage our lives. -Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13.

Another reason why God does not direct everything that happens relates to the issue that Satan raised Eden. Satan challenged God's sovereignty. He offered Eve what seemed to be an opportunity for independence-an offer that she and later her husband, Adam, accepted. (Genesis 3:1-6) In response, God has allowed humans to rule themselves for a period of time to prove whether Satan's challenge was justified. For this reason, the wrong things that people do today cannot be blamed on God. Moses wrote of rebellious people: "They have acted ruinously on their own part; they are not [God's ] children, the defect is their own." -Deuteronomy 32:5.

However, while allowing for free choice and experiments in independent rulership, Jehovah has not adopted a hands-off policy concerning earth's affairs, which would leave us with little hope that he will fulfill his promises. Though Adam and Eve rebelled against God's sovereignty, Jehovah did not alter his loving purpose for the earth and for humankind. he will without fail transform the earth into a paradise populated with perfect, obedient, and happy people. (Luke 23:42, 43) The Bible record from Genesis to Revelation describes how Jehovah has progressively been working to accomplish that aim.

Next time: God Acts To Accomplish His Will

Watchtower, 1999