Tempted To Control

 
Tempted To Control
 
Read:  Judges 16:4-21
She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.  - Judges 16:16
 
Audio:  Judges 16
 
Bible in One Year: Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40
 
I've never stood in high places or wielded authority over the masses, but in my little corner of the world I've felt its pull. Whether I'm trying to keep my heart from pain, make my husband agree with me, or prevent my children from experiencing hardship, the root is the same - control. We all face (and at times succumb to) the temptation to grasp for power. While we may turn to Judges 16 to study Samson, the passage shows us that Delilah had some serious issues. Her story illustrates several lessons why we should resist the desire to control.
 
First, control begins and ends with self. Delilah saw that betraying Samson would benefit her financially (Judges 16:5-6) and help her to gain favor with others. Wrapping her lies in love, she used her affection to get what she wanted. In doing so she defined Samson's love for her based on whether or not her own needs were met. Ironically, she questions the authenticity of his love while planning his capture. Claiming love, she cared only about her own desires, even at someone else's expense.
 
Second, control blinds. Quick to point out Samson's deception, she remained unconcerned about her own web of lies (Judges 16:10). Holding Samson to a different standard than she was willing to follow, she fell into the trap of situational ethics as she let her circumstances determine her moral stance.
 
Lastly, control destroys relationships. Using her lap, a symbol of comfort and nurture, Delilah seemed poised as a safe place - but in reality she was the danger. Control is no different. Pretending to guarantee safety, control instead brings bondage and betrayal.  Jesus asks for our trust. Submitting to Him isn't about losing power, but rather gaining freedom (Galatians 5:1).  - Regina Franklin
  
Jeannette
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
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