Monday, December 30, 2019

day no. 15,043: control = perception vs. reality

Control can be discussed in terms of perception and reality. There are things you think you can control and things you think you can't. Then there is the reality of the matter. There are things you really can control and things you really can't. The chart below pits our perception against our reality when it comes to our control of the world around us and inside us.
























If you perceive you can control something and you really can, you must keep on keeping on. The temptation here is to grow weary of doing the good you are already doing and slip into a state of thinking you can't control it anymore or perceiving that you are wearing out and cannot possibly keep this thing up. In this quadrant, the temptation is to get tired and the admonition is to keep going!

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

If you perceive you can control something, but you really can't, you must learn to trust God and stop trying to ensure that your will be done on earth since it won't be done in Heaven.  The temptation here is to overestimate your ability to impose your will upon the world around you, the world that God made, the world that God is currently sustaining and superintending with His powerful right hand. Repent and believe in God and trust His control of that which you cannot. He will not help you by giving you the steering wheel, He is already helping you by steering one handed while smacking some sense into you with the other.

Psalm 46:10 
Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 115:3
Our God is in the heavens;
He does all that he pleases.

If you perceive you cannot control something, but you really can, you must suck it up and take some initiative. You are not helpless. God has given you the ability to govern yourself in this matter, but up until now you have taken no responsibility for it. Our responsibilities are our responses to the abilities He has given us to manage. You can say, "No," to yourself by the power of His Spirit. You can say, "Yes," to God by the power of His Spirit.

Galatians 5:25
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:1
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

If you perceive you cannot control something and you really can't, you need to keep on keepin' not. Do not fall victim to the temptation of thinking you can control it or trying to make it potentially controllable if the need should ever arise. Stay watchful and be vigilant. Don't get lazy and get off guard. It takes work and faith to stay humble.

1 Peter 5:6-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

James 4:6-7
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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