I’ve heard people say religion is about control, and although I’ve always thought that was an absurd statement, perhaps it holds a nugget of truth. The more I learn about myself, God, and the Bible, I realize it’s not so much a question of control but instead, of who’s controlling you. Because there’s no neutral ground. A battle’s being waged and you’re on one side or the other.

According to the Bible, we’re either controlled by our sinful nature or God. If you’re controlled by God, He’ll lead you into goodness, joy, peace, patience, self-control–in reality, freedom. Freedom to rise above your circumstances, tapping into the joy bubbling within–a joy that’s unhindered by the day-to-day.

If you’re controlled by your sinful nature, you may think you’re calling the shots, but most often, you’re held captive by your emotions and your emotions are held captive by your circumstances. Chances are your days are dominated by anger, fear, moments of hopelessness and lack of fulfillment. That’s not freedom. That’s bondage of the worst kind–the kind of bondage that leads to destroyed relationships, isolation, and death.  Read more.