Breaking the Spirit of Control

Breaking the Spirit of Control



Control and manipulation are tools of the devil. Freedom and guidance are tools of the Spirit of God. Jesus said that if we would abide in His Word, we would know the truth and that the truth would set us free. (John 8:31-32.) God is a God of freedom and the devil is the god of bondage.



I've heard people try to manipulate God with their prayers and it may sound strange, but there are those who try to apply the world's methods to their communication with God.



Several years ago, I was talking with a man who knew that God had instructed him specifically on something he was to do in his life. Not only did this man know this in his heart, but it was also confirmed by the Holy Scriptures. However, he refused to do what he knew was right.



When I asked him why he was rebelling against God's command, he made a very astonishing statement. He said, "I am believing that if I hold off long enough that eventually God will see that I don't want to do it and He will change His mind." God does not respond to picketing, protest marches, or sit down strikes. And we cannot manipulate God or control Him by these socially accepted, politically correct methods.



Another man told me that he did not agree with one of the current theological teachings. He went on to make a very ludicrous statement. He said, "If I can get enough people to believe the way I believe, then certainly God will agree with me." Wrong! As Christians, we live in a kingdom and not in a democracy. Only what the King of kings decides becomes our way of life. (Rev. 19:16.)



I knew of another gentleman who believed that if he could publicly prophecy something in church, then certainly God would cause it to come to pass because God would not allow Himself to be embarrassed. God doesn't get embarrassed. He knows the truth and you cannot control or manipulate Him.



Control and manipulation are spirits associated with the spirit of fear. (1 Tim. 1:7.) Yes, in the book of Galatians we are told that a part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. (Gal. 5:23.) Self-discipline is of God, but attempting to manipulate or control God or any other person by your words or deeds is witchcraft and is not of God.








This article is an excerpt from The Practical Handbook for Christian Living by Dr. Larry Ollison.

Great points here, thank you for taking the time to post that.