Control: Who Do You Want to Have It?

The most recent incident of gun violence has, once again, put the topic of gun control in the headlines. Two ideologies are duking it out, so to speak, over the best way to get control of this problem.

It’s curious to me that though few of us like to be controlled, so many think that controlling others is the answer. Look at all the ways in which there are organizing efforts to control how others think, speak, conduct business, protect themselves, their families and homes. This control is creeping into our personal lives more every day.

In spite of our 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, governmental control is growing. It seems everyone likes to complain about the government. At the same time, we are allowing them to take more and more control. Some even welcome it.

I wonder, did it begin when we allowed Madeline Murray O’Hare to remove God from school? She was not going to have her child controlled by a God in which she did not believe. We now have children, and adults alike, who refuse the authority of man. Neither are they guided by God’s moral authority.

The answer to our societal problems will not be found in increased governmental control. The answers are found in submission to God’s control over our lives. He, however, will not seize control over our behaviors and actions.

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. (NLT)

This world will never be without evil. Social programs will not eliminate the cycle of poverty. Gun control will not eradicate violence. Protected classes will not eliminate racism, sexism, and bigotry. Anti-bullying campaigns and policies will not silence people who choose to be cruel.

It will only be when people decide to give God control, that we will see these social evils decline. As Christians, we need to share the freedom that comes with giving control of our lives to Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:12-14 “I pray that you will be giving thanks to the Father. He has made it so you could share the good things given to those who belong to Christ who are in the light. God took us out of a life of darkness. He has put us in the holy nation of His much-loved Son. We have been bought by His blood and made free. Our sins are forgiven through Him.” (NLV)

If you haven’t done so already, are you willing to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ? Christians, have you submitted you lives completely to Him? What areas of your life might you be holding back?