Letting Go of the Reins: Overcoming the Temptation to Covet Control Over Others
You can Overcome!!!
We live in a world that celebrates control—control over our circumstances, our future, and sometimes even over people. But as believers, we are called to surrender control to God, trusting in His sovereign plan. The story of Absalom, who coveted his father David’s throne, is a powerful example of how the desire for control over others can lead to devastating consequences. Instead of grasping for power, God calls us to trust His sovereignty and embrace servant leadership.
Absalom: Coveting the Throne of Israel
In 2 Samuel 15:1-12, we see Absalom, David’s son, plotting to overthrow his father and take control of Israel. Absalom manipulated the people, making promises to those who were discontent and positioning himself as the one who could bring justice. Over time, he gained a following and led a rebellion against David, seeking to seize control of the kingdom.
Absalom’s desire for control was rooted in pride and ambition. He wasn’t content with the role he had been given; instead, he craved power, and his desire for control led to betrayal, conflict, and ultimately, his downfall. His story is a warning to us all: when we covet control over others, we risk damaging relationships, losing our integrity, and moving outside of God’s plan.
Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
One of the most important lessons we can learn from Absalom’s story is the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” While we may have our own plans, it is God who ultimately directs our paths and determines what is best for us.
When we covet control, we are essentially saying that we don’t trust God’s timing or His plan. We try to take matters into our own hands, believing that we know what is best. But trusting in God’s sovereignty means recognizing that He is in control, even when things don’t go the way we want them to. It requires humility and faith to release our grip and allow God to lead.
David, in contrast to Absalom, trusted in God’s sovereignty. Though his kingdom was threatened, David sought God’s guidance and trusted Him to bring justice in His time. David’s response is a model for us when we feel the temptation to seize control—we must turn to God, trust His timing, and allow Him to work out His plan in His way.
The Call to Servant Leadership
In the kingdom of God, leadership is not about control or power; it’s about service. Jesus set the example for us in Mark 10:43-45 when He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
True leadership in God’s kingdom is marked by humility and a willingness to serve others, not by a desire to control or dominate. Absalom’s attempt to take control was the opposite of servant leadership. He sought to use people to advance his own agenda, while Jesus calls us to lay down our lives for the sake of others.
When we covet control over others, we miss the heart of what it means to lead like Jesus. Instead of seeking power, we should be looking for ways to serve those around us, trusting that God will elevate us in His time and in His way. The more we focus on serving others, the less we feel the need to control their actions or outcomes.
Practical Ways to Overcome Coveting Control Over Others
Surrender Your Plans to God: Regularly pray and ask God to help you release your need for control. Trust Him to direct your path and guide the decisions and relationships in your life.
Focus on Serving, Not Leading: Shift your mindset from controlling situations or people to serving them. Look for ways to bless others, even when you’re not in charge.
Embrace Humility: Humility is key to overcoming the desire for control. Remember that God is sovereign, and He doesn’t need us to force outcomes. Humble yourself under His mighty hand and let Him lead.
Seek God’s Guidance First: Before making decisions or taking action, seek God’s wisdom and direction. Trust that His plan is better than any plan we can make on our own.
Celebrate Others’ Success: When others succeed or are placed in leadership roles, celebrate their achievements. Rejoice with them and trust that God has a purpose for their role, just as He has for yours.
Conclusion
Absalom’s desire for control is a reminder of how dangerous it can be to covet power over others. His ambition led to broken relationships, rebellion, and destruction. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a different path—one of humility, trust, and servant leadership.
Instead of seeking control, let us learn to trust God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is ultimately in charge of our lives and the world around us. And as we follow Jesus’ example of servant leadership, we’ll find that true greatness comes not from controlling others, but from serving them.
May we release our need for control and embrace the freedom that comes from trusting in God’s perfect plan. After all, the one who truly leads is the one who serves.
