1 Peter 1:13-16

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be in control. My mother was a respected nurse who was "in charge" of her own floor on an overnight shift at a hospital. My dad has been a parts manager for several new car dealerships for as far back as I can remember and was "in charge" of many people as well. So I think I naturally assumed that is how I would progress in my life and career (whatever it might be) and eventually become a manager so I could be "in control".

There are areas I have very little control of. I can pray with all my heart not to be greedy, envious or unloving, but there are times that I fail in those and many other areas. Now, that being said, I love my Lord and Savior and it is my desire to submit to, please and follow Him. So why is it that I fail?

If there are many things I can't control in my own flesh, what makes me think I can control the actions or words of others? I suppose the way I act towards them or things I say will have some effect on them. But I can't control everything they say, think or do. It just is not possible. Saying that, why is it we allow the words and actions of others to dictate our words and actions?


To be continued......