Who is in Control?

What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? –Mark 8:36

When it comes to our lives, we have nothing to say about our birth and little say about our death, but in between these two events, most of the decisions are ours to be made. Are you letting life and circumstances control you, or are you controlling your own life and destiny with God’s help? Don’t let life pass you by when you have the God-given ability to make things happen. I’ve heard it said:

You can’t control the length of your life, but you can control its use.

You can’t control your facial appearance, but you can control its expression.

You can’t control the weather, but you can control the moral atmosphere that surrounds you.

You can’t control the distance of your head above the ground, but you can control the height of the contents in your head.

You can’t control the other fellow’s annoying faults, but you can see to it that you do not develop similar faults.

Why worry about things you cannot control? Get busy controlling the things that depend on you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What is your answer to the question put forth in Mark 8:36?

2. Be honest with yourself and God. Have you been striving for the things of this world, or have you been striving after God? Who or what is in control of your life?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:15-18

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Jim Burns

Jim Burns is founder of HomeWord. He speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has close to 2 million resources in print in 20 languages. He primarily writes and speaks on the values of HomeWord, which are: Strong Marriages, Confident Parents, Empowered Kids, and Healthy Leaders. Some of his most popular books are: Confident Parenting, The Purity Code, Creating an Intimate Marriage, Closer, and Doing Life with Your Adult Children. Jim and his wife, Cathy, live in Southern California and have three grown daughters, Christy, Rebecca, and Heidi; three sons-in-law, Steve and Matt, and Andy; and three grandchildren, James, Charlotte and Huxley.

  • About HomeWord

    HomeWord helps families succeed by creating Biblical resources that build strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids and healthy leaders. Founded by Jim Burns, HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches. Learn More »

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