How easy is it for us to fall into the trap of behaving in a way that drives us to feel the need to be in control? Yet, it is our human nature to live this way. This nature causes us to want to make everything fit within the framework of our own understanding, and when it does not it can effect our behavior in this life. Behavior is typically based on our personal beliefs, values, and attitude. Usually, it looks something like this: BELIEFS are the ideas we hold to be true that are based on one’s education, faith, culture, experiences, and on guidance sought from others. VALUES are derived from one’s beliefs and are the things that are important to us such as happiness, wealth, success, and family. ATTITUDE is based on what we value and will drive how we treat others or how we approach any given situation (things like -being a professional, showing respect to others, dealing with peer pressure, etc.). BEHAVIOR is how we act based on our beliefs, values, and attitude.
For the unsaved, religious minded, or mislead believer the need or desire to be in control is reflected daily by their behavior. They often act as though the world should be centered on their very existence. Regrettably, most of them do not even know they are behaving this way. This includes seeking praise from and even making demands from others to serve their purpose. This is the way of the world and in the end serves none other than the spirit of this world, Satan. It is why sin exists, why so many choose to hold onto their belief system right or wrong, and it is why there are so many religious traditions and doctrines that continue to drive a never ending splintering of what the world identifies with as what it means to be a Christian.
For the true follower of Christ (Christian), if we are doing what we are called to do, we can throw the notion of being in control out the window. The true citizen of heaven is the one who through a repentant heart has surrendered all control to the heavenly Father. This person has made the daily choice (not just one day a week, if that) to do the will of the Father and freely surrender his or her own will (need to be in control) over to the Lord. This person does not measure themselves up against others, but instead views others above themselves. They are not focused on fame, wealth, or success in this world. Instead, they render every measure of success unto God for He alone is worthy. They do not have time to argue with others about their personal beliefs because they, by faith, know that in doing so wastes time God could be using them in His service. They simply live their lives each day to love and serve God and others. “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).
For the unsaved, religious minded, or mislead believer the need or desire to be in control is reflected daily by their behavior. They often act as though the world should be centered on their very existence. Regrettably, most of them do not even know they are behaving this way. This includes seeking praise from and even making demands from others to serve their purpose. This is the way of the world and in the end serves none other than the spirit of this world, Satan. It is why sin exists, why so many choose to hold onto their belief system right or wrong, and it is why there are so many religious traditions and doctrines that continue to drive a never ending splintering of what the world identifies with as what it means to be a Christian.
For the true follower of Christ (Christian), if we are doing what we are called to do, we can throw the notion of being in control out the window. The true citizen of heaven is the one who through a repentant heart has surrendered all control to the heavenly Father. This person has made the daily choice (not just one day a week, if that) to do the will of the Father and freely surrender his or her own will (need to be in control) over to the Lord. This person does not measure themselves up against others, but instead views others above themselves. They are not focused on fame, wealth, or success in this world. Instead, they render every measure of success unto God for He alone is worthy. They do not have time to argue with others about their personal beliefs because they, by faith, know that in doing so wastes time God could be using them in His service. They simply live their lives each day to love and serve God and others. “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).
