Crumbling Control
Theme of the Week: How Men Measure Themselves
Monday, June 16, 2008
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: God … told them … "Fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over … all the animals" (Genesis 1:28). Bonus Reading: Luke 12:22-24, 30-31
Greg struggles with physical and emotional abuse heaped on him in the past. As a result he's come to believe he is worthless. Instead he believes his worth is measured by the things he possesses. This includes a six-figure job, career awards, expensive cars, a fine home, a beautiful wife, and perfectly obedient children. In Greg's mind these demonstrate to the world that he's okay. Every ounce of strength Greg has is directed toward controlling this perfect world.
But the world isn't perfect. The job is falling apart, he has too much debt, the beautiful wife is fed up with his overbearing control, and the kids are rebelling. On top of that, Greg recognizes that the constant "wanting" never goes away. Though his friends, children, and wife love him, Greg can't receive their love because he fundamentally believes he's unlovable.
Men, to some degree, this is all of us. Control is a big deal for us, reflecting both the good and the bad outworking of our God-placed call to work and subdue the environment. We need to make up our minds that we're going to do it his way, not our way, if we ever hope to discover the real meaning of love.
—Jeff Jernigan in The Power of a Loving Man
My Response: How have I measured my worth? Where do I need to recalibrate?
Adapted from The Power of a Loving Man (B&H Publishing, 2006) by permission.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Lord, help me derive my sense of worth from Your love for me and not from what the world considers important.
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