Most of my life was spent raising my three
children. I was a stay-at-home mom for 22 years and have been divorced for some time.
Few of us have made it through life without dealing with controlling people. They're your boss, spouse, parent, child. They make life difficult and crush the weak. Always demanding their selfish desires be met. Sometimes their goals are altruistic but their motivation is from the flesh or a controlling spirit. Even though some people are perceived to be more controlling than others, the truth is, we all can be controlling at some time or in some situations. It is a battle we all must learn to overcome.
I have read many books on controlling people. There was a time in the church when many were trying to cast out a "controlling/Jezebel spirit." The problem is, they are all focused on symptoms and behaviors. I have heard it said, "there is nothing you can do about the controlling spirit in the church." Yes, it is everywhere. I believe no one has found a solution because they approached it as a behavioral problem or a spiritual problem. Not that those issues don't need to be dealt with, but we must begin at the root of the problem...the heart.
The heart is the center most part of our being, our innermost thoughts and feelings. It controls our personality, emotions, behaviors, and attitudes. Proverbs 4:23 says, everything you do flows from your heart. The Lord searches our hearts night and day. What will He find there? A heart surrendered to God and the call of the Holy Spirit or a heart divided...tangled up in the the things of this world and the desires of the flesh.
The heart determines the path we will follow. A heart surrendered will follow the narrow path. A heart consumed with self and evil intentions will follow the broad road. A heart divided will follow the broken road. That is the road I have found myself on many times. I know I am not alone.
Whenever we become self absorbed, we open ourselves to the wrong spirit, which only leads to destruction. Praise God...we have a savior who died for our sins! We have a Heavenly Father who waits with open arms for the prodigal son to return home. No matter how many times we fall He is there to pick us up and make us whole again!
"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
May 27, 2011 at 5:15 AM
Love the picture Brenda. This is an amazing journey. SHARING, as you do, is so helpful for one another. For one thing... it's let's us see, "HEY, It's NOT just me". And too, it gives one another insight into reaching healing and wellness. For, me... it's even been a therapy. As God pushed me out of my shell and out where ya'll could see me, and sharing my heart... I met you :o)
Thank you for sharing with me!
June 13, 2011 at 4:48 AM
Beautiful Bren. I pray that I don't or won't have a controlling spirit! I so long for a pure heart, but often fail Him. You know I was thinking of what Preston said here. Many times I thought that I was totally out of my shell, but God has shown me that I wasn't all way out. He has been pushing me out more and more. It is only when we became vulnerable and open to others with what we have been through and our pain, can the Lord use us to help others and identify with them. Something about when we do let go and let God, He heals us of our inner wounds! I love you sis!
June 20, 2011 at 2:37 PM
Brenda, I'm pretty sure you saw me on that broken road before. I never really had a name for it so I can thank you for that. Your post puts a light on the heart as well as that photograph does. Blessings, my friend and sister-in-Christ.