Have been struggling with control issues recently. I think it is mostly due to multi-site but probably also a little subconscious struggle with being married and living with Jared (which is GREAT, which is why my issues are subconscious).
I am just dying for an ounce of control in my life, at work or at home. It's plainly an idol--easily identified because it is irrational, undefined, insatiable, and bears bad fruit of me being mad at everybody.
Read this in Tim Keller's new study:
"How does Jesus PARTICULARLY provide what the idol cannot? Pray to Him, thanking Him for His provision, and find some passage of the Bible in which He very visibly and concretely demonstrates this gift or quality. Meditate on it" (I added the ALL CAPS, I don't think that's how Tim Keller rolls).
It's a new idol for me (I'm sure!), so I have a million questions: What is the "good" control that the idol is a perversion of? HOW does Jesus give me control? What passages in the Bible address this? What even is the Biblical name for control?
I view a desire for control as a very negative thing, probably because it NEVER FAILS to backfire and create conflict or disappointment. On the other hand, I view approval as a positive although disproportionate desire, so it's easy to see how Jesus provides approval. But control? I don't get it!
4 comments:
Me too. Maybe we should have a control support group. I think that it is that there are so many things in my life (HAVING TO MOVE) that I can't control right now, that I want to be in control of the things I can control (or the things I think I can control, but like I said at Community Group, I can't even manage to dress myself...) The thing I have trouble with is that all the effects (generally) are good: my dishes are getting done, I am incredibly productive at work, I am exercising regularly, I am eating more salads....so, I don't want to let go of the good side effects. After comm. group on Wednesday, though, I didn't do the dishes til the next day. So that is progress.
You are always reading such great stuff! Good insights and quotes!
OK so let me try Keller's steps for overcoming an idol.
1) how does jesus PARTICULARLY (caps yours) provide what my idol of seeking approval from others cannot.
Jesus makes me approved of by God because I'm in Him and God approves and loves us!
2)Thank you, Jesus for living an approved life and taking God's disapproval for me. Thank you for loving me no matter what!
"Neither death nor life, angels nor demons..... can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus"
mmmhmmm..uhuh....mhmmmm.. (Medidtating on it)
love this
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