MIRROR MIRROR 2 – Control Freak
We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror.
Laying down who we think we are to become who God says we are.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Romans 12:3 (TPT)
God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.
LAY DOWN
OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. OUR NEED FOR CONTROL. OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL.
MY NEED FOR CONTROL
Some area—like to be in control? Raise someone’s hand. Control freak home—>not work. Finances—>laid back children.
Leanne relaxed about social calendar and need to see others – Packing the dishwasher and keeping the kitchen (618 Pharisaical laws)
Me—I don’t care about kitchen or believe it or not the remote control, but the WIFI and internet connectivity…
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Micromanage, Manipulate: Passive aggressive, silent treatment Circumstances: How kids look, house perfect, yard, schedule
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I KNOW BEST OR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE WORST
Trust in the Lord with some of your heart and lean on your own understanding. In some of your ways, acknowledge him, and you will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6 CFV
More that you try to control the more you’re afraid of losing control.
More you are afraid—the more you try to control.
Cycle of fear!
FEAR = CONTROL GONE BAD
Hard to see in mirror… Maybe this is what God wants.Abraham: this is my sister.
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.
Genesis 16:1-4
Ishmael and Isaac
What’s that got to do with me?
Christian women looking for a christian man. Can’t find one so you settle for a man thinking you can change him.
Finances—tithing Job—exaggerate on resume Can’t afford—borrow.—
IS IT WORTH MY CONCERN? OR SHOULD I LEAVE IT ALONE?
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
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Dishes have to be done a certain way.
8-year old son combs his hair.
How clean your kids keep your car.
Not talking marriage and parenting and our relationships with God!
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Embrace NO WIFI
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IS IT MINE TO CONTROL? OPEN TO OTHERS?
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUTTING DOWN CONTROL AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY…
Tight Financially—take responsibility – budget
Worried about kids future—take responsibility – spend time with them
Marriage Struggling—take responsibility – get counsel Afraid never marry: —take responsibility – get involved, join some activities, bath
Taking responsibility involves releasing some control EGO/Pride vs. accountability, counsel, opening up to other humans
James 4:13-14 (CONTROL)
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
James 5:16 (RESPONSIBILITY)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
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IS IT FOR GOD ALONE? EXALT MY PLAN OR HIS PROMISE?
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Control what you can’t—you’re anxious.
Give it to God—peace.
Can you change my spouse? Can God change my spouse? Can you heal my loved one? Can God heal my loved one? Can you control my future? Can God control the future?
The Lord will provide a sacrifice.
Gen 22:13-14
(Abraham) went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.
Closing: When you follow Jesus, you aren’t in control. But HE removes fear…