Subtle Addictions: Control and Safety

As I take a quick break from work, and moving into the new house, and watching Audrey (each of which are a full-time job), I thought I would resume the ole’ blog with some thoughts that have stuck in my head for about 3 weeks now.  One came from a comment on here, and the other was from a recent book (or audiobook in my case!).

I am not sure if it’s how we are wired, or if society has shaped us in so many unspoken ways, but I have come to realize that we have elevated feelings of Safety and Control to levels that can result in an unseen barrier to spiritual growth.  If addictions were like little demons, these might be the ones in stealth mode.  This is not to discount either of these points entirely… obviously they are a natural part of survival, but if we do a self-analysis of the degree to which we take them, I fear we will find that we are not consistently placing ourselves on the path God may have laid out for us.

Safety

There is a portion of Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love, that has absolutely haunted me for the last two weeks. It has affected my prayers over the baby each night, and took some time before I would even utter the lines that he suggested we pray.  To begin with, don’t we all pray before a trip for “traveling mercies”, and safety on the road?  Isn’t that what we want… an experience to get to our destination with no unexpected and unscripted dangers or events?  Chan challenged me when he asked “What if we were to pray ’Lord, draw me closer to you, whatever it takes. Period.’ “.  That absolutely freaks me out just typing that!  I want to greatly elaborate, but I think I will leave that quote alone.  Chew on it.  Consider what might happen if we were to say that to God.  Do we want to go to the next level, or do we want to say, like Meatloaf, “I would do anything for love- but I won’t do that.”  Moving on past the bad song references… do you think you could pray like that?

Control

Jesus said, “I send you out as sheep among wolves”. Is He in control enough to help us survive among those we are in contact with so often?  He told another in the book of Luke, “Sell all that you have and give it to the poor”.  This challenges both my mind and my wallet!  What are you dependent on?  Our money and possessions and lavish American lifestyles that have often been a result of God’s blessings have come back to sometimes replace the very One who provided them.  I personally struggle with this because of the beautiful home we just moved into… it is already very easy to let it (physically and mentally) dominate our time and efforts and design and personal budget. 

What about other areas of excessive control that do not involve specific objects, but yet it becomes evident in our actions and relationships?  It seems that personal control is what our society is built on, from small business to how we “accessorize” to how we order our burgers. We have been shaped to believe that everything is on our terms, and our desires are ultimately what matters. What kind of battle occurs on the inside when there is a heart’s tug that occurs during a special offering at church, or a donation is requested?  What about when we feel down or inadequate, and our witnessing opportunities become affected?  

My point is that we have to lay down our longing for control in all areas of life- our marriages, church groups, bank accounts, etc.  Maybe, just maybe, it was my own self standing in the way of God’s work over the years. It’s very possible that He has moved past me before to impress on someone else a conversation or a gift to help others.  Our deathgrip of controlling our lifestyle can only impede “divine appointments”.   My pastor often states that Life is what happens in between our plans.  Those are the moments that shape and direct us.

Just some odd thoughts bouncing around my head for a few weeks.  I truly hope it helps someone else in their walk with God… even if it also leads you to some scary prayers.

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