In
recent years there have been fascinating scientific studies about the
relationships between our individual brain structures and our behavior, also
between our chemical and genetic makeups and our actions. The connections are
complex and humbling as we discover their various degrees of influence and
control within our lives. Add the contributions of our personal and social
environments to the physical origins of behavior, and one could easily conclude
that we’re all programmed like computers and make no genuine decisions.
According to this view, all of our thoughts, feelings, and actions are
unmistakably the results of our programming, and like robots we’re really
not responsible for anything we do; we just do what we have to do.
I find
more persuasive a psychologist’s comment that about 90% of our behavior is
programmed, but the remaining 10% is very significant. Within that 10% are
degrees of genuine freedom that leaves room for us to make authentic choices.
Of course, the biblical writers knew none of this; brain structure, body
chemistry and genetics could have been only matters of speculation before
modern times. Interestingly enough, though, the Bible is concerned only with
the so-called 10% in which we can make a range of choices: who or what we
choose as our God or gods, whether or not to opt for paths of love and justice,
what our loyalties and priorities are, who or what to obey, and so on.
In the
Parable read moments ago we heard of one son who initially chose not to work
and then reconsidered; he had been disrespectful to his father, but had a
change of heart and obediently went into the vineyard to do his chores. The
other son at first chose to work but never got around to it; he probably meant
well, had good intentions, but failed to do what he'd promised. Clearly the
first son's behavior, including his choice to change for the better, was
preferred in the Parable. After refusing to go into the vineyard, he changed
his mind, repented, and did what he was supposed to do. Like this son, the tax
collectors and prostitutes mentioned by Jesus had initially said “no”
to God and afterwards chose to say “yes.” You and I are reminded that
as Christians we hear God's Word; then we often make wrong choices, but that we
can choose again to make correct decisions.
The
parable doesn't try to gloss over both sons' misbehaviors with excuses. Jesus
didn't rationalize their negligence by appeals to their genetic make-up, the
quality of their family life, economic hard times, a deprived childhood, and
the like. In Jesus’ view they were able-bodied, young adults capable of
making their own decisions about whether to obey their father.
Despite
what some social scientists would have us believe, we're not programmed
computers! We're not controlled puppets! The worst personal circumstances do
not automatically propel most individuals into excusable irresponsibility.
Regardless of our upbringing, unless we are significantly out of touch with
reality, we can distinguish among basic options within our own 10% range
of freedom! We aren't forced to run with the pack. We can sort out more
honorable options than conforming to majority expectations. By the time of our
teenage years, our genes, body chemicals, and environments do not coerce the
vast majority of us into mindless, preset actions; like the two sons in the
Parable, you and I are responsible for our choices.
However,
no story can cover all related human circumstances. We must mention that there
are adults whose capacities to choose are diminished because of temporary or
permanent impairments. Others will need to be sure that those so wounded are
not discounted, but somehow are assisted patiently with their choices.
In the
"Parable of the Two Sons" Jesus strikes a note sounded in today's reading from
Ezekiel. We hear the challenge to set aside our stubborn resistance, to hear
truly God's Word for every aspect of our lives, to change our hearts and minds
when we have chosen wrongfully, and to "turn, then, and live." In case we
reject this invitation by saying "easier said than done," we pray in today's
Collect for the fullness of God's merciful grace to strengthen us on our
journeys toward full forgiveness and uprightness.
Underlying
all challenges from Christ is the Good News that we don't have to rely on just
ourselves. Hopefully, others faithful to the Gospel will encourage us to choose
rightly and follow through. Whatever the case may be, you and I are assured
that as we choose appropriately, as we live more fully, the promptings and
inspiration of the Holy Spirit will sustain us as we continue to grow in
Christ’s love and service.