How Can I Control You?

“They are afraid because you speak English and they can’t control what you say.” At least that is what we have been told and why we can’t go back into the schools here. Why we are severely limited in what we can do for the rest of the month.

I’ve realized how interesting the ideas of fear and control are; and how they go hand in hand. Can someone really be controlled by another? Are they controlled because of fear? Fear that has been instilled in them by threats? When one’s life or family is in danger, choices become few and harder….submission becomes easier.

We all want freedom, but the reality is not everyone has it. Freedom in Christ is a luxury for many, especially in the States. But even that has limits when it comes to work or even school. We are free to worship, but are we really free to share? Do we have the courage to share? Would you go into your local mall and start telling people about the love of Jesus? Would you go up to a stranger and ask if they needed to talk, or if you could do anything for them…carry their groceries…simple things like that? “Preaching” through our actions is an interesting concept, and sometimes more effective then just saying the words. Does that make it more threatening?

I’ve seen people speak with freedom and conviction in Africa and I am in awe at their passion. If someone feels led they will stand on the street corner and start spouting the word of God. Would you do that in America? Why are we so scared to become sidewalk prophets, mall prophets, coffeeshop prophets, or gutsy prophets? Are we afraid of rejection, humility, injury, judgement, condemnation, or for our lives? Do we feel that it is for the preachers in churches or people with the title: evangelist?

I really don’t like the concept of “preaching”, but I feel that just being real with people about the love and grace of God is less intimidating. This is what seems effective in places of darkness and hopelessness. And yet, it can be the hardest place to do it because of control from higher authorities.

Those who feel the need to control, what are they afraid of? Why have I tried to control things in my life? No matter what you believe, most of us can agree that humans have a brain that can make decisions. We place so much care into controlling what people hear and do; and it becomes an obsession. What would happen if everyone in the world was allowed to hear whatever they wanted, and allowed to make choices based on how they feel, without fear? Would this loss of control cause mass chaos? What’s wrong with a little chaos…..control eventually leads to it anyway………. rebellion anyone?

What about that man who thought people should be able to hear and make choices. Who was so convicted on it, that he became a sidewalk, coffeshop, mall, etc. prophet. He gave everyone the opportunity to learn of the grace and love of an amazing God. A God who doesn’t have favorites, who doesn’t record your sins, who doesn’t care about your past or present mistakes, who loves you for you and wants that same love returned. He believed this with a passion and he loved people more then anyone ever could. This guy was rejected by his friends and peers; he was laughed at, beat up, and judged by many. Even when they hurt him, he managed to smile and tell thim they were loved.

Eventually he was murdered by those who feared they were losing control. They couldn’t control what and who this guy talked to; they became obsessed with stopping him. They couldn’t control what people chose to believe, what people heard…..and they hated that. I don’t even know if they really heard what he was saying……they just saw people drawn to the love he exuded. Were they jealous…..threatened?

Blood poured out of him as tears for his people. It covered those who chose to believe in him and his cause. Jesus Christ was fearless and full of a message I believe in. I only pray for more courage to become a “right now prophet” wherever I am at. To move into the darkness guided only by a flame of light from Him. What can man do to my body if my soul is destined for heaven? Destined to be with Jesus one day…..for eternity? Freedom from fear is contagious…..a disease worth spreading around the world.