Control
So often we try to control every aspect of our lives. It's understandably very difficult to step back and let God have control. Some of us are more likely to struggle with control than others. We may try to scramble and fight to control circumstances in our lives. But when we do this it places us in darkness.
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are
spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."
- Galatians 6:1
We can live in light when we release the control.
We can compare it to taking a seat in a lounge chair at the beach.
When we sit in the chair and lean back, let our shoulder's drop, allow our muscles to relax and take deep breaths.... we are absorbing the sun shining down on us as we sit and watch the rest of the world go by. This is not to be mistaken for passivity. It's taking the time to consciously remind ourselves that we can't control every circumstance or any person in our lives. Sometimes we need to just sit back and let life take it's course.
Other's may try to wield their control over us or our circumstance but if we stop fighting back and just take up a seat in that lounger and tell ourselves "I can't control them. But I can control myself. If they want to make themselves ill over trying to wield control that is their free will and their choice. But I am going to live in the light. God knows my truth."
If we live in God's light and not allow ourselves to be temptingly pulled into darkness and control we can be assured of his guidance. How often as parents do we try to "control our children"? We may try to control how they behave, how they look and even how they feel. But instead of trying to wield control perhaps teaching is a better approach.
We can teach our children about control by showing an example of self-control in ourselves. As parents we have daily opportunities to lead our children in examples of self-control such as not speeding, not losing our temper in traffic or with an officer when stopped and counting to ten or excusing yourself before discipling your child.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is…self-control.”
Galatians 5:22–23
In what ways can you help your child learn skills in self-control? How can you re-affirm to them that by walking in the light and sometimes taking a break in that lounger (time out, if you will) will serve them well into adulthood and throughout their life?
Dear Lord,
Please let us be good examples as we seek your guidance in developing self-control and further set a positive example for our children. I will allow my children to endure realistic consequences to the moments when they lack self-control and pray they grasp my positive examples I will set for them so they may have a fruitful life. ~ Amen
© gps-gracepowerstrength.blogspot.com ~ 2012
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