“For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other.’” Isaiah 45:18 (NKJ)
God created all things. As the Creator, God possesses power and privileges that are exclusively His.
Power to Control
God has the power to control all the things He created.
“All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop him or challenge him, saying, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” Daniel 4:35 (NLT)
Right to Judge
Because God created all things, He has the exclusive right to determine standards of conduct for all people and to judge all people by those standards.
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy…” James 4:12 (NASB)
Deserves All Praise
Because God created all things, He deserves the praise of all creation.
“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11 (NKJ)
Personal Survey
Take a moment and answer the following questions.
Do you ever experience any of the following?
Does it bother you when you’re not in control? Yes/No
Does it bother you when things don’t go your way? Yes/No
Do you have trouble asking for help? Yes/No
Do you get impatient when people don’t do things right? Yes/No
Does it upset you when you don’t get good service? Yes/No
Do you try to change people? Yes/No
Do you look for approval or thanks from others? Yes/No
Do you try to keep people happy? Yes/No
Do you reject those who mistreat you? Yes/No
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, even if your “yes” depended upon your situation, that is an area where you are trying to be like God in your own life or the lives of others.
Q1. You may never have realized that you are trying to be like God. However, what do your answers reveal?
The following diagram shows man’s attempt to be God. Man tries to control, wants to judge (others, self, and God), and seeks praise.
Tries to Control
Man wants to control people and the outcome of things but only God possesses that kind of power. Being controlling can result in unpleasant emotions like frustration, anger, exhaustion, depression, fear or worry.
“Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” Isaiah 40:28 (NLT)
Wants to Judge
Man wants to judge and condemn others but only God who created man has the right to judge mankind. Wanting to judge creates feelings of irritation, disgust, and disappointment with people.
“God alone, who made the law, can rightly judge among us. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to condemn your neighbor?” James 4:12 (NLT)
Seeks Praise
Man seeks people’s praise even though everything he has (looks, talents, possessions, and abilities) comes from God. Only God is worthy of praise from those He created. Seeking praising and living for the acceptance of others can result in feeling hurt, rejected, unappreciated, or insecure.
“I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else. I will not share my praise…” Isaiah 42:8 (NLT)
Jesus Gave Up His Rights
The life of Jesus, the Son of God stands in stark contrast to Satan and Adam. Although He Himself is God, He gave up His rights as God and became a man.
“Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.” Philippians 2:6 (NLT)
In the next diagram, the cross represents Jesus Christ and His life on earth. Instead of trying to control, wanting to judge and seeking praise, Jesus trusted God’s control, did not judge or seek praise. He acknowledged that God is over all things.
He Trusted God’s Control
Jesus didn’t try to control people or His circumstances. He trusted God’s control.
“And while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NASB)
He Did Not Judge
Jesus was not judgmental. He did not condemn.
“If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” John 12:47 (NASB)
He Did Not Seek Praise
Instead of trying to get the praise of man or worrying about His reputation, Jesus humbled Himself and came to serve others.
“[Jesus] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7–8 (NKJ)
When you try to be “god” of your own life, not only is it following Satan, but it is going in the opposite direction that Jesus went. Your state of rebellion stands in the way of your relationship with God. This rebellion is sin.
Q2. Are you ready to repent of trying to take God’s place?
If so, perhaps taking the following steps would be helpful to you.
Share with God:
The specific areas or people you have tried to control.
The times when you have been judgmental of others, yourself or God.
Your attempts to seek man’s praise.
Agree with God that you have been wrong for trying to take His place. Tell God you choose to trust His control, His judgment, and you acknowledge that He is worthy of all praise.
Read the rest of the Spiritual book to learn more about God's plan for your relationship with Him. Learn the solution to the fundamental problem in man that leads to frustration, anger and insecurity. Become secure in your identity in Christ, rejoice in God's acceptance of you and experience life change as a result.
1 comment:
Thank YOU My Father-Jesus Christ!For everything!
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