Do we have any real choice in what our future will be? How can I know for sure?
Answers (4)
It's hard to give you a straight answer because you obviously have some preconceived notions. We call that "playing the yeah but game." What ever the answer, you come back with "Yeah, but ..." and some unrelated objection. The answer depends very much on what answer you want. The general principle is "There is no answer when you don't know the question."
Let's get serious. Do you want to know what stocks to buy to make a fortune? Or do you want to know what fascinating person you are going to meet and fall in love with? Or do you want to know something more complicated? Each case has a different answer. Figure out what answer you want and then we can discuss it.
Yes you have a choice. Most of us naturally yearn for reassurance, certainty, order, and stability. If you could be more certain about the future, you could prepare for it, both physically and emotionally. What people hope for is a future of peace, freedom from fear, decent living conditions, productive and enjoyable work, good health and long life. No doubt every generation in history has wanted those things. And today, in this world that is so filled with trouble, such conditions are more desirable than ever.
God promises that soon his original purpose for mankind and the earth will be fulfilled. Those who love God will have the opportunity to enjoy life forever in a beautifully restored earth. (Psalm 37:11; Revelation 21:3-5) That future can be yours if you take a long-range view. Over eight million men and women including myself from different cultures and languages have made the choice and looking forward to everlasting life on a paradise earth. Gaining accurate knowledge on what the bible Really teach have helped me and these eight million to have faith in God's promises. Preparing for an everlasting happy future.
For more information on this subject and others, please go to jw.org "Online Library." Also for free downloads, publications or read online.
Of course our future is our choice. Just like we have the choice to plant a seed in our garden, and that seed will decide the fruit on the tree, so also we have a choice to plant the deed in our life and that seed will decide our destiny. What is happening in our life today - do we have a choice? No, we don't. Because today what is happening depends on our choices of yesterday. What we did in the past is unfolding as the present, what we will do in the present will unfold as the future. The future doesn't depend on luck, faith, serendipity. It depends on karma, it depends on action. Therefore, whatever the reaction in our life, the future will depend on our actions. We must take care of our actions.