None of us born were born with any knowledge of what we now know, all were born, as it were, as an empty vessel. The learning capabilities that we possessed were inherent to our mind’s physical makeup, a normal, healthy mind can grow at a greater pace than one that has been hindered by a lack of growth, or a malfunction in the womb.
For most though, we are the products of our initial environment. Whether a child is raised in a God-honoring home, or one that does not recognize the Lord, there comes a time when that small individual becomes just that, their own personal identity. They will know, as time progresses, what is right and what is wrong without needing to be taught these two truths. “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Eccl. 3:11)
Most generally, but not always, this comes in the emotional response we hold to a particular event or circumstance that we either encounter or witness, and it is here where sin begins to attempt to gain a foothold in our lives. A foundation must be laid for each life, those who are raising that child are the responsible party for that foundation, and again, most generally but not always, that foundation is built upon the one that they themselves were raised upon. Here, for those that have had children, is where life, or perhaps better stated, the inferred path of life, is set for that young one. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)
There are only two paths in this life, there has never been three, service in great humility and adoration of the Most High, or willful rebellion to His Sovereignty, His love and grace. That grace rests continually upon those who are mentally unable to discern their right foot from their left, those who minds never developed, all others are held accountable for their actions, saved or lost.
The thinking mind can comprehend the things of God, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) But it is with the heart that we love, the mind can differentiate between good and evil, but it is the intent of the heart that the Lord sees. At a certain time in all of our lives we become accountable to the Most High, the way you were raised, the environment that you were brought up in no longer becomes a viable excuse, in complete contradiction to what the world teaches, as expected.
Because you were raised in a particular manner, because you were taught in a certain way, because actions against you that were horrific in nature no longer become excuses that are viable, the actions, words and deeds of a man’s life are what he will be judged for, his response to the life laid before him. This is the foundation of free will, and the strength of the sinful world laid at the same time.
Nearly every person born is raised on wood, hay and stubble, (1 Cor. 3:12-15) but that is no excuse for remaining upon that base, we have all been given the opportunity to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. These truths are self-evident in today’s world, the enabled are made so on purpose, the all-inclusive ideology is meant to keep people in bondage, and the man who will stand on his own two feet is ostracized from the masses. How much more those who no longer live for and in the world? When one reaches the understanding of this wisdom, one can finally die to self, forego the wisdom of the world and the foolish pursuits it offers, and begin to truly and fully live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
