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Don’t Control People, Control Self

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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves

Philippians 2:3

If we try to control others, we need to control self.  We want the Lord to control people which leads to freedom. We change people by being a Godly example, and we show them love and respect with a serving heart.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  (Proverbs 16:9) We want others to change and the Lord to control them, and we pray for the Lord to guide our steps to make this possible. The Lord will guide us to show them the heart and mind of Jesus. The more other see that we respect and care about them, then over time they will see our security and identity is in Christ.  It’s more important how we treat people than how they treat us.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29) If we try and control others, we will become frustrated and our soul will not be at rest. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) If we can master the skill of being still inside and not let people make us angry or defensive, then we will show self-control. We have the peace and wisdom from God, and it is powerful when other people see they can’t control us because we do everything as doing it for God.  It is very satisfying that others can’t control us, however we listen to what they say, because their information may be from God and we need to change.  We acknowledge the change, and we pray for change to become more Christ-like.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) As a Christian and servant of Christ we are called to encourage people, because encouragement can be motivating, and we want to motivate people to be more Christ-like. We have a strong desire to motivate people to always seek to be closer to the Lord.

Today be in control through the Spirit, have your identity in Christ, be still inside, calmly walk in Godly wisdom doing everything as doing it for Christ.

Prayer:  Lord always strengthen my identity in You, and help me to always walk in peace, guided by your wisdom.  In Jesus name, Amen