April 14
. . . Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. . . . Hebrews 2:8
For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all . . . . 2 Corinthians 5:14
Have you ever heard the expression, “Who died and left you boss?” Coming from a large family, that expression was uttered by any younger sibling who was being bossed around by an older one! Over the years I have heard it used in response to someone who is a painfully bossy, overbearing person; someone who seems to constantly try to control others in their attempt to manage their own circumstances. How many people do we interact with like this? Aside from all the psychological reasons for someone’s need to utilize this behavior as a coping mechanism, life really can be difficult when dealing with one who has these tendencies. Not only do we feel the entrapment of their need to restrict and categorize everything around them, but sadly, we see also that they have lost the freedom to relax and let go of things. They lack the ability to be present to the moment, to accept it for what it is - the difficult ones and unfortunately for them and those around them, even the ability to fully enjoy the joyful ones. In challenging situations that upset their routine, they appear completely overwhelmed, for in those moments there is the unbearable recognition that not everything can be controlled by them.
As children, we can pout and stomp away our disappointment at not being “boss,” not being in charge for that moment, and get on with it. As adults, we are more challenged by these situations. The frustration in coping with difficult, controlling individuals, as well as our moments of difficulty in handling our own fears when we are in a situation that we want more power over - is out of our own control! So how do we cope with this? Well, we know we can only control our own behavior, which in itself will create a result. Paul’s writing to the Hebrews tells us without a doubt, everything is under God’s control, not ours, so why do we continue to try to control? It is human nature. Yet God is trying to tell us there is no need for us to do so, there is something so much greater.
With prayerful consideration for guidance and/or seeking professional direction as needed, we can live and interact peacefully with difficult individuals – for as Paul tells us in Corinthians, Christ’s love is so great, that He has died for us all – not just some of us, and we are controlled by love. We can let go and relax in our faith that it is God who is in charge, not us. Filled with the peace that only He can give, we no longer have to worry about controlling anything!
Heavenly Father, it is Holy Week. Help us to come closer to you and truly believe it is you in charge. Help us to let go and peacefully go forward in faith and love, with greater understanding of others, especially the challenging ones.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson