The Control We Think We Have Is An Illusion

Jarrod Jacobs

            Does this title surprise you? I hope not. Yet, it is true that the control we think we have is an illusion. If you do not believe this, then I ask what control do you have when a tornado rolls through town? Further, what control do you have over the car that is in your lane and going to collide with you? Can we control a heartbeat? To make this even more personal, who can stop the aging process in our bodies (Matt. 5:36)? Who can control another’s thoughts about them?

            In truth, the only control one has is the control over one’s mind and attitude (Prov. 4:23)! Thus the reason we need to think on godly and upright things (Phil. 4:8). We need to fill our minds with godliness and truth (Eph. 3:4; Ps. 119:97). This is because by controlling our thoughts, we can then do what is right and be blessed by God (Phil. 4:9; Matt. 7:21; Mk. 16:16).

            Since “control” in our lives is an illusion, let us determine to turn to the One who truly has control. The One who has control is the God of Heaven. Let us be obedient to Him and follow Him daily (Matt. 10:38). God has control over this world, and we do not! He has control, and His providence and patience has granted us the blessing of this day (II Pet. 3:9, 15; Rom. 2:4). Further, God’s control allows us the opportunity to hear the word of God, believe it, and be baptized so we can be saved (Mk. 16:16; Acts 18:8; etc.). Are we going to submit to the control of the Lord?

“God’s Authority Over Man”

Jarrod Jacobs

            Many pay lip-service to God’s authority, but few seem to realize the extent of it. We live in a time when men want to “call the shots” and run their own lives. This is just not possible if we are going to please God. What is the extent of God’s authority over man?

            First, it is God who must direct our steps. Jeremiah said, “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). Man is not able to direct his steps correctly. Allow God to do it!

            God has also told us how to worship Him. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). Our worship is not “do as you please”. Our worship is not geared toward pleasing people, but pleasing God! Our worship consists of singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); prayer, teaching, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, and giving of our means (Acts 2:42; I Cor. 16:1-2). This is what God told us to do!

            Finally, the extent of God’s authority is seen in Colossians 3:17. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse covers our whole lives. God has complete authority over man!

            Let us stop living selfishly, but live a fulfilled life by submitting wholeheartedly to the authority of God!!

“God Said It; I Believe It; That Settles It.”

Jarrod Jacobs

            The above statement has been popular for some years, now. I am sure most of our dear readers have heard this from time to time. It has been on multitudes of bumper stickers, and in fact, one book I own has this phrase at the end of every chapter! It is a good thought, and I appreciate the sentiment expressed. This statement conveys the message that since God said it, then I believe it. It is then “settled” because I will not argue with my God about it, nor will I listen to anyone who may try to get me to question the word of God.

            There is an even more accurate way to state this truth, though, and it is: “God Said It; That Settles It; I Believe It.” Put simply, once God says something, that settles it, regardless of whether or not I believe it! When God speaks the truth, it is settled (Ps. 119:89). If one fights and argues against the will of God, a man’s “unsettled” mind has no effect upon God’s truth (Ex: II Kings 5:10-14). At the same time, when one accepts God’s word completely, the acceptance and obedience to His word had no effect on the truth, either (Acts 2:41, 47)! God said it, and that settles it! Therefore, I need to believe it.

            God’s word has been man’s standard from the beginning. So long as we live upon this earth, this standard will not change (Matt. 24:35; I Pet. 4:11).

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” When the Pharisees confronted Jesus with false charges, Jesus said they would die in their sins (Jn. 8:21). The reason why He said this was stated in verse 24. In like manner, if we do not believe, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Lacking faith means we will die in our sins like the Pharisees. Faith is not a guess or a wish. It is not a fairy tale. Faith is real and will overcome the world (I Jn. 5:4-5)! Do you have faith in Christ?

- Jarrod Jacobs

"Do Not Be Deceived"

Jarrod Jacobs

            God warned man many times in the Bible not to be deceived by certain things. For instance, He warned the Israelites not to let their heart be deceived by serving false gods (Deut. 11:16). Let us consider some other occasions when men were told not to be deceived.

            The apostle Paul told the Corinthians: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (I Cor. 6:9-10). In the same book, he also said, “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15:33). To the Galatians, Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).

            Today, instead of saying, “Do not be deceived,” we might say, “Don’t fool yourself!” This is what God was saying -- don’t fool yourself, there are certain things that are true regardless of time and circumstances. Don’t fool yourself! You will reap what you sow. Your friends have an influence on you that can be dangerous. Sin will not be tolerated by God. Remember to not be guilty of worshipping false gods (idols). Yes, idolatry is alive and well today (Col. 3:5)!

            Don’t let anyone fool you; sin brings death (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15).