The first car I purchased had a five-speed manual transmission. Weekend after weekend I searched the ads containing "5spd manual" or "man. trans." Ever since I learned to drive a manual transmission, I enjoyed the control it gave me. When I got behind the wheel, I was in control-that is until I taught my brother how to drive my car.
No longer in control of the car I intentionally purchased in order to have more control, we rolled backward when starting up hills, stalled numerous times, and suffered several jerky starts. I became increasingly concerned about my sense of control and less about teaching my brother how to drive.
It's when we're out of control we realize how much we love being in control. Our self-centeredness demands control. We even try to control God at times. Control-it was the reason I purchased that car. So, who is in control of our lives? Are we living lives that are self centered and obsessed with control?
Paul talks about a life lived for God and others in his second letter to the Corinthians. It is a life controlled by the love of Christ, not by us. Christ's love took Him to the cross making Him the One who has "died for all." Because Christ died for all-for us-we no longer live for ourselves but for Him.
The love of Christ forgives and transforms us. Controlled by the love of Christ, we are no longer to live in self-centeredness; rather, we are to live lives centered on Him. We are no longer to demand control at all costs; rather, we are to be controlled by the love of Christ. May the love of Christ have its full power in our lives.
THE PRAYER: Father in heaven, you have shown me Your love in Christ, whose death and resurrection have won my forgiveness and secured my salvation. Change my heart, that I may become selfless in my service, and controlled by the love of Jesus. I pray this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Written by Pastor Greg Moyer
St. Mark Lutheran Church - Omaha, Nebraska
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