Don't Wear Out Your Welcome, Part 5

SELF RULE OR…

“…I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:14b

It is no coincidence that often, people struggling with mental health have a messiah complex. Ingrained in many is the desire to be their own god - eventually yours too. History is littered with regimes (companies, schools, churches, teams) led by dictators and tyrants who make their subjects bow and “kiss the ring”.

It is only natural, that the less a person needs the Lord, the more they will need to find someone to fill the “God vacuum” in their soul. Usually, this “god” becomes themself - the worst possible choice for everyone.

If we step out of God’s will, expressed in His word, we are really saying: “I want to be my own boss or call my own shots”. But in reality we are very limited. How am I supposed to run my own life when I struggle to control my mouth and my actions? I am capable of doing some things, but I need God’s help with all things. The greatest lesson I’ve learned in life is Jesus is the best ruler of me.

…SUBMIT TO GOD.

“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21

As hard as some may try, they just cannot avoid the God “problem” - what to do with Him? He can be ignored, but only for a time. This is because He has written a code in our DNA that requires Him. As our creator, I guess He is allowed to do this, even without our “say so”. This is the vacuum in our souls that is pulling us toward God and it takes a lot of time and effort to stop His draw. What we eventually discover is that we can’t find peace with God until we make peace with Him - to “submit” to Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

For what we already know about God, trust is unnecessary – it is either understanding or agreement. For instance, I don’t need to trust God: for my needs, He meets them; for His forgiveness; He forgives; or for His love, He is love. These I’ve experienced first hand. I must trust God for all I do not know - and there is plenty, like: the whys and hows of life; what makes me and others tick; and the future. The more I know of God, the more I can trust Him with all I do not know, making it easier to submit to His authority.

“…Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

From Sermon Notes, June 26, 2022