Do you get upset when you can’t control a situation? Or moody and irritated when people don’t do what you want? Do you react when your mistakes are pointed out? Or try to make people comply with your demands? Do you ever exaggerate in order to gain attention or sympathy? Or criticise the opinions and choices of others, and try to make yourself seem superior? Do you become angry and abusive when someone disagrees with you or challenges your authority? Are you reluctant to compliment others, but quick to try and fix something you think is wrong in them? Do you find it hard to say, ‘I need you’? Do you try to drive a wedge between your loved ones and anyone else who gets close to them? Do you ‘give orders’ to those you interact with, rather than using the simple courtesies of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’? If your answer to these questions is yes, then today God’s saying to you: don’t be so controlling! The Bible says, ‘Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another’ (v. 10 NKJV). That means stopping and thinking about how your behaviour affects other people. Perhaps you’re thinking, ‘But I just have a strong personality.’ Sorry, that doesn’t let you off the hook! ‘A servant of the Lord must…be gentle to all’ (2 Timothy 2:24 NKJV). So if you’re a controller, start changing your ways! And if you’re being controlled because you fear anger and rejection, it’s time to draw a line in the sand. Seek help from a trusted friend, church leader, or healthcare professional, especially if you feel at risk. Ask God to help you stand firm and refuse to be controlled any longer.
