LIFE: Fate

Man is a great believer in fate. Even those of us who scoff at such an idea and are great proponents of free will as compared to pre destination, find some comfort in knowing-when stuck in particularly tricky situations-that what will be, will be.

However, our lives are not dictated by the fates alone, and the aforementioned knowledge should not be such a comfort, knowing that the reason we’re stuck in that particular situation is not merely the play of fate alone-rather, it is the result of our own individual actions and choices which have led us to whatever point in life we are at: as Jawaharlal Nehru has said ‘Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.’ Thus, we play a part in deciding our path in life as much as fate or pre-destination, and as the Bible states “Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved