Today, man is proud of his automatic devices yet none of them can compare with the human body in which millions of essential functions take place automatically.

The fact that so many automatic parts are programmed and pre-set demands the existence of a Creator. The construction of intricate cell structures and their integration into the whole human machine demands a super intelligence.

God has designed our bodies to give us as much freedom of choice as possible, but sadly many abuse this by selfish living that does not show their humble obedience to a loving Creator.

Isaiah the prophet put it like this, “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, every one, to his own way. And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [Isaiah 53:6]

All living things, apart from human beings, are on automatic pilot. Their freedom of choice is very limited. But with us this is not so. God has granted us an enormous range of choice and kindly coupled this with a sensitive automatic conscience that pricks us if we go astray. God said to Saul of Tarsus, “It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.” [Acts 9:5]

Pricks, or goads, were often fastened to the front of carts so they automatically inflicted more pain to the animal the harder it kicked. In the mercy of God, Saul stopped kicking against the pricks of conscience and surrendered himself to the will of God. His marvellous conversion is still blessing millions through his letters in the New Testament.

The Bible says, “Choose you this day who you will serve.” [Joshua 24:15] If we yield to God’s will we will find forgiveness through Christ’s death and true freedom.

e-mail ntftw@jewells.fsworld.co.uk Website www.thoughtfortheweek.co.uk