OUT OF CONTROL

The whole idea of free will can be overwhelming.  There have been many times in my life where I wish I hadn’t been quite so free with my will. Everyday we experience some tragedy that comes down to someone exercising their free will at the expense of others.

 As a young person at church, I remember being told to let God have control of my life and things would be better. I remember them drawing the little diagram with self being in the centre and Christ off to the side. I remember being told to let Christ take control of my life and to stop being self-centred. Well after years of struggling with that model and finding frustration and failure. I discovered the model was wrong.

God didn’t want to control my life. He wanted to set me free. Free from the things that had controlled my life, so that I could finally be in control of my own life. In control of my life so I could choose to do His will.

 I know that I cannot control circumstances or other people’s will. But by taking control of my own life I am free to choose. To choose to live my life against God or for God.

 Yes, I still need His guidance and His help. But I am the one who has to get out of bed in the morning. I am the one who has to read the bible and to choose what to meditate on. I am the one who has to follow His lead and say, “I am sorry” or open my mouth and share the great things He has done in my life.

 We live in a world that is out of control. Not just because of drug addictions, violence and greed. But also because people who profess to be followers of Christ have not allowed God to set them free. Free to take control of their own lives and really follow Him.

 Many of you know me and know that for much of my life that was me. I know that I have been foolish about many things and that I owe many apologies ( if that is you, give me a call ). My desire is to take responsibility for my life and walk in God’s  freedom in a way that is pleasing to Him. Will you join me?

 

Tim Mauch

timmauch@cogeco.ca