On one hand, human actions, such as the movements of our arms and legs, are determined by natural, physiological processes – they occur through the work of the nervous system, muscles, and tendons, operating according to their own laws (as explained in the discussions regarding how “the origin of voluntary movement.

Balancing Natural Instincts with Divine Service

On one hand, human actions, such as the movements of our arms and legs, are determined by natural, physiological processes – they occur through the work of the nervous system, muscles, and tendons, operating according to their own laws (as explained in the discussions regarding how “the origin of voluntary movement... is the brain and the spinal cord...” from file link txt). That is, our body is capable of performing numerous functions almost automatically thanks to its biological mechanisms.

On the other hand, the concept of serving God implies that these actions should not be merely mechanical or arbitrary. True service is expressed not only through external actions, but primarily through an inner feeling and the conscious desire to fulfill God's will. As noted in one source, “To serve God means to reject everything that is contrary to serving Him. Some serve the true God, but not in the manner prescribed by His holy law; ... We must not follow our own thoughts in this important matter, for they can be mistaken, but rather preserve the teachings established by the Church, and above all, we must be careful that in serving God there is no external action without genuine inner heartfelt sentiment” (source: link txt).

Thus, although our body is capable of effective, sometimes spontaneous movements, sincere devotion to serving God requires a person to consciously direct and control their actions so that they stem from inner conviction and love rather than being merely automatic physical reactions. In other words, the biological autonomy of our arms and legs must be subordinated to a higher purpose – to act in the name of God's will, rather than independently, like free-running mechanisms.

Supporting citation(s):
“The origin of voluntary, or chosen (self-determined), movement is the brain and the spinal cord, as a part of the brain. The organs are the nerves, ligaments (nodes), and muscles that arise from them…” (source: link txt)

“To serve God means to reject everything that is contrary to serving Him. Some serve idols, which is the ultimate extreme of human blindness. Others serve the true God, but not in the manner prescribed by His holy law; ... We should not follow our own thoughts in this important matter…” (source: link txt)