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).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 13:24-43
More:
Read Philippians 2:3-11. What does this passage teach us about what it means to walk in the power Christ offers?
Next:
Where are you facing the temptation to grasp for control? How can surrendering this area to the Lord bring about greater freedom in your life?
tom felten on July 10, 2012 at 8:44 am
So often control stems from insecurity and fear. I’m reminded of what John wrote: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
regina franklin on July 10, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Great scripture, Tom. I was just thinking about it the other day. When I focus on the incredible expanse of God’s love, then I can go head to head with whatever fears may arise from life’s circumstances. He is more than enough.
hendra on July 10, 2012 at 8:50 am
Alli..what a honest comment that you have. Yes,it is..people around us will only love when they loved. People are naturally sinner, they are naturally selfish. I also human too 🙂 (so I tend to love if I am loved, or perhaps if I can get the return..lol)
I think we will not find an exactly (or almost nearly) human’s love like God’s love for us in earth. Well,we will only understand God’s love if we have entered heaven.
And I think Christian,should be Christ-like,who show the love first..not because what the others can give,but because we have to bring God’s love for others and make them understand God’s love.
hendra on July 10, 2012 at 10:06 am
Sorry…I think I made mistake. It should be yesterday devotional comments. 🙂
Ethan on July 10, 2012 at 11:42 am
Thank God , this passage spoke to me so directly as how i have been trying to get things done within my own desire in my life.For quite sometimes, it leads me to fustration and disappointment. I really like the fact that when we choose to submit ourselves to the Lord,we never lose power but gain freedom.
regina franklin on July 10, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Dear Ethan,
We’ve all been there. And while I believe we grow in understanding and in our ability to rise above the tide of fear and control, it is a choice we will face until we arive in heaven.
Thank goodness for a God who draws us to repentance when we find we’ve picked up the reins yet again. May you find great peace as you wait on Him.
tunde4bami on July 11, 2012 at 9:57 am
Thank you Regina,the passage is for me.Only God knows how much I try to control my husband ,my children and simblings,especialy when its comes to things of God .God pls. take over.
regina franklin on July 11, 2012 at 10:08 am
Dear tunde4bami,
I am praying for you as I respond. Fear is a horrible counselor. When I am looking to control those around me, it often comes from a true desire to see good things come to pass in their lives, but sometimes it is also very deeply connected to my own desire for safety. I fear for them, but my fear for them is also connected to a desire to keep my own life on a peaceful path. Praise the Lord that He is able to deliver us out of the deep and treacherous waters of fear and control! May you know He is more than able to carry you and provide for your every need, even when His provision doesn’t look the way you had planned. Blessings!