"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way.""
About this Quote
C.S. Lewis, a popular British writer and theologian, typically looked into styles of faith, humanity, and the divine in his works. This specific quote provides a poignant reflection on the human relationship with God and the concept of free choice.
The phrase "There are 2 sort of individuals: those who state to God, 'Thy will be done'" suggests individuals who send themselves to a higher power, trusting in God's knowledge and sovereignty. These people acknowledge their constraints and reveal faith in God's choices, aligning their desires and actions with divine will. This act includes humility, the relinquishing of control, and the belief that a greater plan is at play, even if it is not immediately comprehended. For these individuals, faith might provide a sense of peace and purpose, using assistance through life's unpredictabilities.
On the other hand, "those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way'" describes people who prioritize their own desires over divine guidance. This part of the quote shows a circumstance where God allows individuals to exercise their free choice, even when it diverges from what might be considered divinely intended. Here, Lewis underscores the concept that God does not coerce belief or obedience, but rather allows people to select their own paths, even if these options cause effects that might have been prevented through faith and submission.
This dichotomy encapsulates a central aspect of Lewis's understanding of free choice: while God is supreme, humans have the autonomy to make their own decisions. It suggests that while divine will is eventually all-encompassing, the human experience is characterized by the options we make and the roadways we take a trip. The quote encourages introspection about the nature of faith, prompting readers to think about which classification they fit into and what that means for their spiritual and individual journeys.
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