Until one comes to the platform of pure unalloyed devotional service, then the devotee still has the opportunity to act independently and accept the reactions. However, the most important point to understand in relationship to the devotee is the reactions that he gets are by the will of the Lord. His independent misbehavior is his own will, but the reactions he gets are by the will of the Lord, whereas, the non-devotee the reactions are under the auspices of the external energy of the Lord.
SB 1.18.29
Montreal, Canada