We love control. It gives us a sense of security and a feeling of power. When we have no control we feel powerless and insecure. And once we have seized control over what ever issue is at hand, we find it very difficult to give it up. It may be a need to control your spouse, fellow workers, and your monetary situation. No matter what is, we crave it like a thirsty nomad in the desert searching for water. And some people, no matter the cost, will do any thing to keep things in control. We will use manipulation and sell our souls to get power. We desire to control, but could it be, that actually we are way out of control? Or, are we just giving ourselves a false sense of security? Is a desire to control really an issue of our insecurities? How would our lives be impacted if we decided to give up our desire to control and let Jesus control us? Matter of fact, I think I have lost my ability to control the word control in this paragraph.
Jesus entreats, whispers, in a small, still voice "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt.11:28,29. How lovely is that? Please, Jesus says, I’m begging you, let Me help you. I desire to make your life easy. I and I alone know what is best for you to live a happier existence. But what does this require? Giving up control, Submit to this plea of His love and let Him work on soothing your tired weary soul. Our egos keep us grounded to this earth; instead of just letting ourselves be free to float somewhere between Heaven and Earth.
And this requires us to have trust and faith. Paradoxical as this may sound, when we let go of our desires to control we actually experience control. Does the Word of God give us any insight in how we can learn to give up control? I am convinced we can find a solution. First, we must develop trust in the Lord. "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." Pro 30:5. When we have a God where it is written that He does not change, "For I am the Lord, I do not change.” Malachi 3:6, and in Hebrews 13:8, it says, "Jesus is the same yesterday,today,and forever," the question arises, Why wouldn't we put our trust in someone who will never vacillate or lie to us" in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began..."? Titus 1:2.God is a rock, someone we can lean on.
As such, anger is difficult to control because its reactions are very spontaneous. By the time you realize what you have done, it’s too late. "For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness".
When anger sets in, it invites negative thoughts, reactions, and thereby unwanted actions. There is this famous quote which says, "Whenever anger comes up, take out a mirror and look at yourself. When you are angry, you are not very beautiful".
"When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger."
"It is wise to direct your anger towards problems - not people; to focus your energies on answers - not excuses."
"Don't hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love."
"Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame."
"Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die."
"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing."
A teacher who controls his students' lives, suspects their motives, and denigrates their spiritual desires with a harsh, legalistic attitude will see rebellion and bitterness in his students. The password for an effective teacher is love; the password for a legalist is power. Students respond to love; they react to power.
You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.
Love is when you can't control it. No matter how much your try and tell yourself to stop, your heart wont let you.
The things you don't have control over you don't worry about. I have control over my attitude, my perception, how I do things, and you do the very best job you can. Other people have control over other things and you let them do their jobs.
The wise who control their body, who control their tongue, the wise who control their mind, are indeed well controlled.
We know what we can control. We can control our effort and we can control our approach.
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”" Acts 1:8
Anyone that tried to express too much control might need to try to start within himself.
He that would govern others should first be the master of himself
Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.
You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.
Anyone that tried to express too much control might need to try to start within himself.
