Have you ever met a "control freak"? They attempt
to subjugate the people and events around them. Some of them desire to wield
power. Others are insecure and endeavor to control their environment to ensure
their safety. A third type of control freak was oppressed as a child; and, as
an adult, vowed never to allow that to happen again.
The greatest problem with control freaks is that they are
rebellious to God's authority in their life. They do not seek His will, but
they make their own plans and move mountains to attain them. Some of them
manipulate, demand, steal and finagle to get their own way. Their motivation is
to preserve their concept of their own self-worth, because their value comes
from their achievements (Colossians 2:8).
Control freaks actually believe that God let them down;
therefore, they must make their own way in life. Satan reinforces this
confusion by using commercials, billboards, social media, office politics,
family expectations and a host of other worldly standards to force the
unwitting to base their value on earthly concepts.
The problem is that even the richest, most powerful,
successful and beautiful people in the world never really believe they have
attained the pinnacle of acceptance they so crave. The devil convinces them
that they are actually unlovable and unacceptable in order to keep them on the
rungs of that illusive ladder of success.
They even perceive rejection from others when it is not
there. A muddle of inferiority, hopelessness, insignificance and self-criticism
overwhelms them. It is only in the very center of God's will that we find our
true joy and contentment (Philippians 4:11-13). He redeemed us from our
sinful lifestyle and adopted us into His very own family (1 John
3:1). There is no honor in life higher than this.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for creating us with Your purpose in
mind (Psalm 139:13; Ephesians 2:10). You gave each of us gifts and
talents, which we need in order to accomplish Your will for our life (Romans
12:6). There is no need for us to strive to achieve success that
is out of Your will for us. Even when we accomplish our goals, they will ring
empty and hollow. Thank You for adopting us as Your children. Help us to find
our worth only in our relationship with You.
Thought for the Day:
God's Biblical principles are our standard and give us
wisdom for living; apart from Him we are nothing. - John 15:5
