Is Your Life Out of Control?
By Greg Sanders
My wife and I lived in a house that had the windows painted partially open. When you sat on the couch, whatever the condition was outside, you got a pretty good taste of it even though you were on the inside. Finally one cold night, we decided we had to do something. I got a hammer and started banging the window shut. I figured, worst-case scenario, I would break the glass. Even broken glass may be better than the window being open. We did get the window closed without breaking anything and the environment of the house changed dramatically.
Proverbs 25:28 A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.
We all face challenges that make us want to lose control or just give up, but the Word of God says that doing so is very costly. Proverbs paints the picture of a house with no doors and no windows. I would not want to live in a house like that so why would I want to live my life like that? Before you give in to that temptation to lose control picture what is at stake.
How can I keep from losing control?
- Refuse to allow the environment on the outside to get into the inside.
Every time you lose control you are allowing the environment of the outside to get inside. That is what happens to a house with no doors and windows. The internal environment is at the mercy of the outside conditions. Think about it, is that really how God would want His people to live? We are instructed to live in this world but not be of it. When we lose control we are yielding to outside forces.
- Realize that what you possess is too costly to lose in a moment of frustration.
I have witnessed several homes being built. One thing I have noticed is that no one moves in their possessions until the doors and windows are installed. Why? Because without them you are inviting anyone and everyone to come in and take what you value. When you live without self-control you are essentially making all you value fair game. You are risking your influence, your leadership, and reputation. Keeping control may be costly, but losing it is much more expensive
- Relinquish control to the right person.
At some point you have to vent or you will blow up. Make sure you vent to the right person at the right place. “Cast your cares upon the Lord because He cares for you.” Keeping control is not about keeping everything neatly bottled up. Keeping control has a lot to do with giving control to the Lord. He can give you peace in the storm and give you comfort in the hard times. Don’t just lose control. Relinquish it to Him.
Today’s Challenge: When faced with opportunities to lose control, refrain. Remember the power on the inside of you is greater than the power outside. Relinquish control to God instead of yielding control to life. You will be glad you did.
Blessings,
Greg
Greg Sanders 