Today in the Mothers of Preschool mothering seminar that I help to lead, our book discussion chapter was concerning self control. How you keep your self control. How you lose it. How you teach your children about it. And so on.
A lot of times people mistake self control for determination, inspiration, or even willingness.
But, to me, self control is just that. Control over my life, and how I go about governing that control, well, myself. Control can also be seen as power. Power is of course, the root of being. You don't have any gas in your car, there is no power. You don't have any self control in your body, there is no power.
I really don't agree with the term "self" control. As Christians, we are taught that we are to relinquish our power, our self control, over to God, for God to power and control. So, in a sense, do Christians have, self control at all?
God control is more like it.
When you proclaim that you have "self" control are you going against God? You are not putting God first? You are not acknowledging his power in your life after all. You are acknowledging your own. Which in fact, is not possible, without him.
Ever seen a bumper sticker that says, "God is my co-pilot"? Living on a Navy base with lots of fly boys (and girls) I see this bumper sticker a lot.
This term is a lot like proclaiming you have self control.
You see. A co-pilot shares equal control, equal power, right? Your husband could be your co-pilot. You could share equal power with him. But you can never, never, ever, share power with God. Not even just a little bit.
If you think that God is your co-pilot. You need to think again.
You can never have God as your co-pilot, or co-anything, because why? You cannot share power with God. You just can't do it.
And you know, you don't need to share power with God.
Believing in him gives you the ability to know that you are saved from having to be in control. God has stepped into your life to do that part for you. A what does he ask for in return? To follow him. Not help chart the course.
Just follow.
So instead of "God's my co-pilot" say "God is my pilot, and I am just along for the ride!"
