What do they have in common? Neither itch nor impulse is generated by our will.
Both are mysteriously generated without our consent. Both are inflammations of unknown origin; one of mind, the other of body. We scratch the itch, we act on impulse. We often regret both. Every itch we scratch itches more. Every impulsive act has unforeseen consequences.
But. . . we itch, we feel impelled. What should we do but scratch or act on our impulse?
We should wait.
Eventually the itch will go away, the impulse will subside. Now, when itch & impulse have cooled, the mind is free to reason. Was the itch the result of contact with poison ivy? Then we should apply calamine lotion, and wait. The lotion will relieve the itching; waiting will eliminate it. What about impulse? We should delay action while we consider the likely probabilities that may result. Itching is sometimes a warning of something gone wrong. Impulse is sometimes a clue to something that should be done.
How should we decide whether to apply calamine lotion, or act on our impulse?
Those of secular belief must trust to reason, alone. Those who know God will be guided by both reason and revelation. Does my impulse conform or oppose the will of God. Secularists can only wonder if their impulse will lead to loss or gain.
Both Secularist and Godly must avoid the temptation to scratch. It never does any good. Very often, it leads to wounds that take days to heal – while the itching continues.
Hamlet agonized, “To be, or not to be”? It’s a question phrased many different ways by every human, every day. That’s why it is so often quoted. The animal part of the Kingdom is not troubled by such dilemma.
Free Will has consequences. It is neither completely free, nor completely uncompromised. We do the final choosing, but not without unasked for advice. Sitting invisibly on your shoulders are two omnipresent whispering advisors. On your left shoulder, an Imp from Hell, assigned from your birth to seductively mislead you as often as you are willing to be beguiled. On your right shoulder, your very own guardian angel, assigned from your birth to steer you right as often as your weaknesses will permit.
That’s the cartoon version - it’s not far from the mark.
When next you want to scratch an itch, or act on impulse, consider the source.
