Control Issues
I was talking to a T-Mobile “Expert,” as they now call them, about an issue with my daughter's Apple phone. The agent let me know that I needed to talk to the tech team because “Apple likes to control things,” and then we can find out how to handle trouble with this device. Sidebar: I’m the only non-Apple user in my entire family and regularly get mocked for not being on the Apple team or for actually using an Android phone (superior in my book). But I digress.
What that T-Mobile “Expert” said about Apple's “control” issues got me to thinking about our “control” issues as believers.
One of the most important, or better yet, essential lessons we should learn early in our walk with Christ is Who’s really in control. The gift of salvation is essentially about control. Who rebelled against the ultimate and true Controller? Who is willing to surrender their perceived and personal control? Who is able to fix and restore a life with righteous and loving control? Who will be honored as the only true and worthy Controller?
Hopefully, the following Scriptures will illuminate how vital and indispensable it is to understand the weakness of our imagined control compared to the greatness and supremacy of the Lord’s control.
Jesus “is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36; Romans 10:12) and the “only Sovereign” (1 Timothy 6:15).
Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:18-19).
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).
God said, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12).
The Lord revealed that “those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8).
God communicated that “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
God said, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:50).
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
God proclaims, “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples” (Psalm 33:10).
Jesus said, “He who loves father and mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).
Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:44).
Many, if not all of these Scripture references do not fit the contemporary narrative of our day. The world boldly proclaims its personal autonomy and proudly resists authority. While they may be willing to acknowledge the sweet side of Jesus (loving, great miracle-worker, ministered to the marginalized, amazing teacher), they don’t accept His commanding proclamations. Most consider His exclusive claims as harsh, abusive, or downright authoritarian. They cannot see how essential it is that He is King of all kings and how loving it was for Him to say, “unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” (John 5:24).
Please don’t misunderstand my point on the reality of control. Our form of control is “let me do what I want, when I want, and how I want it,” but make sure you don’t let anyone else’s authoritarian freedom judge me, fine me, criticize me, or hurt me. God’s form of control is sending a blessed, loving, merciful Savior who is equally a sovereign, just, and judging Lord. He so compassionately and lovingly said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Did you notice the caring, yet exclusive way Jesus communicated His message? He is truly…are you ready for this...a Benevolent Dictator. This doesn’t seem to fit the popular way Jesus is characterized, but Jesus’ proclamations put these two descriptions together.
Notice His lavish benevolence (v. 28: “Come…all who are weary and heavy-laden…rest”; v. 29: “I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls”; v. 30: “easy…light”).
Notice His commanding authority (v. 28: “to Me…I will give”; v. 29: “take…learn from Me…you will”; v. 30: “My yoke…My burden”).
I’m not happy that “Apple likes to control things” or thinks they do, but I’m thrilled that we live under the loving, omnipotent, and providential control of Jesus Christ who as King of kings and Lord of lords who “will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15) for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28; 11:36).
Sorry, Apple, and all of us who try to “control” life. Jesus wins the “control” trophy.
Pastor Jeff
P.S. I forgot to mention in last Sunday’s sermon a tool we compiled on Key Questions on Practicing Christian Freedoms Flowchart. Check it out.