Sin has a way of subtly entering our rhythms. Integrating ever so gradually into our attitudes and responses. We wear it; despite our awareness that it is not flattering. Yet, changing familiar attire requires intention. An acknowledgement that change is necessary must be accompanied by action. And sometimes we will wear that sin like jeans that have become ragged and ripped (not for fashion sense!). Only when the holes are revealing in places that we can’t bare (pardon the pun), do we spring into action to make a change.
The desire for control are my jeans. Once a necessary quality to adorn, it has morphed, at times, into a trait characterized by inability to trust those closest to me to make decisions independently that may end up in unfavorable consequences. I am particularly invested in that fear when the consequences impact me.
My fears are grounded in anxiety as well as learned behaviors from situations that happened to me years ago. Yet, why is changing out of the familiar response of desiring control so hard?
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline… And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.. Colossians 3:12, 14 (The Message).
Adorning myself in God’s love requires trust. Complete trust. Recognizing that God’s mercies and grace will always conquer the pain of earthly consequences. Acknowledging that I make imperfect decisions just like those closest to me. And the redemption comes in seeing the Holy Spirit made manifest in those uncomfortable and sometimes painful moments of living on Earth. When I fight for control, I am preventing God’s movement in my life and those of others.
Currently, I have intentionally about dressing in the wardrobe God picked out for me. Those ragged jean have got to go.
(This post is for the Five Minute Friday Writing group. Come join the fun! http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/)
exploring sacred connections with God and each otherr
Control as an unflattering wardrobe choice. Brilliant. Seriously. THANK YOU! That is so very good and I am grateful I had the blessing of reading your blog this morning. I don’t know that I will ever shake that super inspired image. My blog is about what I can control – ME, which exactly beautifully combines with what you’ve said here. — I control what I put on… fear and anxiety, or peace and joy. THANK YOU. Again. God bless you on your journey! #FMFROCKS!
Thank you so much! I first thought of those images when I did a women’s retreat years ago. They stuck. I will hop over to your spot sometime!
This is so true! I’m over in the 11 spot this week.
Yes! Thank you for this reminder, Stephanie.
Part of what you said here “change is necessary must be accompanied by action.” I was journaling today about this. Part of me totally wants change, but making those steps is hard. I often feel frozen even with this strong desire to change. I think the first step is to give that control to God. He definitely did not make me to stand still. My own inability or really even refusal to move has been my own grasp at control.
Yes. Ironically, it’s when we give up control to God and submit, we feel free to make the first steps.