Control is an insidious intruder. I have to be very intentional to guard myself against it, and even when I am aware, it is tricky. It sneaks into every relationship and situation often undetected. One reason control is so deceptive is that sometimes it is called “helping,” and isn’t that a noble thing to do? In some situations, yes; but often when I find myself saying, “I am just trying to “help” you, that can frequently be transposed to mean, I am trying to control you or the situation. When I dissect my misdirected helpfulness, fear is often at the root; and I have come to learn that although sometimes fear is an understandable reaction, it can also be an UNBELIEVING reflection that says God will not get it right. Lord Jesus, you are in control, not me. Sometimes hidden fears lurk in the deepest recesses of my heart, and I seek a false sense of safety by “suggesting,” fixing or doing which only translates to control. Help my unbelief, Father. Give me the grace to lay my fear and desire to “fix” within your power, not my performance.
Tag: performance
Christ’s Righteousness Yields Rest
One of the hardest spiritual truths for me to grasp was Christ’s righteousness. It is difficult to understand that sin and grace, inadequate and accepted, grief and gratitude coincide. These truths only became evident when I ceased striving and was set free by a righteousness independent of self-performance and perfection. There is so much life-giving water for worn out souls when we lay down our robes and put on the robe of Christ’s perfect righteousness that is paid for in full.
It’s the Eternal
All things not eternal are eternally out of date. ~C.S. Lewis
Meditating on this allows me to take an inventory of my life and let a lot go! We can leave the comparisons, accomplishments, victories, defeats, credentials, resumes, mistakes, losses and so on behind. A performance mentality leads to a worn out mentality. There is no reciprocity between here and Heaven except for a surrendered and repentant heart. Our acceptance of our inadequacy qualifies us more than our adequacy ever will. Allow that to make life lighter today.
Daily Prayer
In a world where entitlement is pervasive, and happiness is an objective, Father secure my eyes upon You. For it is through imploding plans and serial struggles that we are afforded unique opportunities to magnify your character. In all the areas, I wrestle; Jesus prepare me to be a good steward of your name. I constantly fall short of standards for approval born of this world, leaving me vulnerable to comparison that is void of joy, but full of condemnation. You look upon me with affectionate eyes laced with grace, not seeking superior performance, but a surrendered heart. Allow me to rest, not in my critical view nor the criterion of this world, but in the secure shelter of your abundant mercy and amazing grace. Amen.