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Fighting for Control
Brakes control the car. Literally. The word “control” is made up of two parts: the first meaning, “against” and the second, “roll”. Brakes fight against the momentum of the rolling tires and are essential to safety. When it comes to our spirituality, that safety device can become dangerous. It’s like a beginning driver constantly pumping the brakes out of fear. Are we stopping when God wants us moving?
Do we try to control God? Impossible and idiotic, right? But that doesn’t answer the question! Of course, we want to control God! And we fail miserably. Inspiration is filled with fighting against God. In the Sanhedrin attempting to stop a “movement”, Gamaliel advised, “You may even be found fighting against God” (Acts 5:39).
The opposite of controlling is being led. The opposite of stopping is moving. Even God Incarnate was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1). When the Holy Spirit is leading (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18), God wants us moving. It isn’t always comfortable and easy which is why it is so hard for Christians and churches to change, grow, and move. Comfort comes from familiarity, a false security. When we fight for control, we are fighting against God. We don’t want to be moved. When the roll is called up yonder, do we want to be against God’s roll?
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