Giving up control for Lent

As Christians enter the Lenten season and reflect on what the Lord has done for us, many are encouraged to give something up for the next 40 days. It is usually something seen as a bad habit or something that has an unusual hold on them. For some, it may be chocolate, time on Facebook or a variety of other things. But one of the hardest things for any of us is to give up control of our lives.

Jesus said in Matthew, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Several verses later, he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Yes, those verses are primarily about trusting in him for salvation and ending the search for salvation in other religions, but there is a principle there that should not be missed. When followers of Jesus continue to take control of their everyday lives and do not yield to his will, it makes for a frustrating journey. Giving up chocolate or Instagram may benefit you for a season, but giving up control of your life will give you a lifetime of peace.

What is an example of giving up control? James answers that in his letter to the church: “You who say, ‘We are moving to such-and-such a city and we’re going to stay there a year and do business and make a profit!’ How do you know what will happen in the future? Your life is like a puff of smoke seen only for a little while. Here’s what you should say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, and we’re still alive, we will do this or that.’ My brethren, you are into pride when you plan your own future and exclude the Lord.” It is sad, but too many believers go about their lives and make their plans without ever consulting the very one they profess is in control.

Then there is the frustration of wanting to control others — or of them wanting to control you. The Bible gives us a long list of people whose efforts to control did not go well. When the Lord told Peter how his life would end, Peter felt he had a right to know how things would end for John. Jesus told him to mind his own affairs. Martha tried to control her sister, Mary, for not helping with the meal. Jesus said Mary had made the better choice. Sarah’s heartbreak of not having children led her to make arrangements outside of God’s will for Abraham to have a child with a servant girl. Solomon was such a control freak that he tried to have David killed because he feared the competition.

If you are going to give up anything for Lent, give up control of your life. Why struggle with control when you serve the God who wrote Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Ken Staley is pastor of Faith Church of Pleasant Grove (9:30 a.m.) and Harrisville Methodist Church (11 a.m.). Both are Global Methodist congregations. Text Staley at 918-852-9797.