I’ve been thinking of the various factors that determine who we are:
- Genes (DNA and RNA)
- Environment
- Choices (free-will)
- God’s will (destiny, fate)
Genes either determine or significantly influence our gender, race, personality, health, body details, etc.
Environment includes factors such as family, social standing, beliefs, experiences, living standards, many “likes” and “dislikes”, predjudices, etc.
Choices, free-will, has various levels of effect in our lives. The more choices we make, the more such have influence in how we are and what happens in our lives.
God’s will (destiny, fate) also significantly influences our lives. Pharoah and Moses both were born with very specific destinies. Scripture even says that God hardened Pharoah’s heart to accomplish His will.
I wonder, 1) would you add any other major category to this list, and 2) what % value would you give to each of these categories.
My initial thoughts on % value of each is:
30% Genes
30% Environment
20% Choices
10% to 90% – God’s will
You can see that I’m really conflicted about “God’s will”. For some select people this is a major factor. For others though, it seems that God’s will little influences their lives. Of course, this in itself can be seen as God’s will.
Thanks,
Sherman