FACT:
Some relationships will put you in bondage. Your assignment, should you choose
to accept it, is to keep this from happening. You probably know of a
spiritually unhealthy and bossy individual who is uncomfortable to be around. This
person acts authoritatively and might pose as a leader, but is actually a “controller”
who is driven to make everyone do what he or she says.
These
arrogant people won’t take anyone else’s advice because in their minds they
always know what’s best. They manipulate others through intimidation, fear
tactics, and mind-control. Those who live under their thumb are afraid to do or
say anything that will upset them. You know that you’re under their control if you
find yourself walking on eggshells whenever you are around them.
It
takes tremendous courage to stand up to a domineering person and not be
intimidated. God says, “Do not fear their intimidation” (1 Pet. 3:14). The Holy
Spirit doesn’t use intimidation and pressure to guide His people. Drawing a
boundary line will keep dysfunctional people from taking control of you. Without
any boundaries, abnormal people will use you and abuse you.
You
may not be able to control what others do, but you can control what you allow
others to do to you. You must draw a
boundary line to keep the bullies out, but allow the friendly people in. Richard
Innis says, “Healthy boundaries are to protect ourselves from toxic people,
from controlling and manipulating people, con artists, abusive people, and
those who want to use us for their own ends.”
When
Paul was being pressured to conform to those with ulterior motives, he drew a
boundary line and stood firm against them: “But it was because of the false
brethren who have sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ
Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.
But we did not yield in subjection
to them for even an hour” (Gal. 2:4-5).
Contrary
to popular belief, God does not call you
to be friends with everyone. In some cases, He wants you to stay away from
them and even says, “Do not even eat with such a one” (1 Cor. 5:11). You can be
friendly to everyone, but you must use wisdom in selecting your friends. Choose
those who will encourage and build you up, not browbeat and intimidate you. Remember
this important truth—God has called you to peace, not bondage (Gal. 5:13). www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
www.makinglifecount.net Making Life Count Ministries
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Many CHURCHES AND SMALL GROUPS are studying Slaying
Your Giants which includes a
20-Lesson Discussion Guide. It’s filled with interesting stories, humor, and
practical advice about how to conquer 20 giants (fear, depression,
discontentment, anger)
WATCH THIS UPLIFTING MUSIC VIDEO by Nicole C. Mullen "Holy Captivated"
The Sure Cure for Worry contains amazing true stories and gives indisputable proof
that God is in control and He doesn’t want you to worry.
What
is Making Life Count Ministries? (3 min. video)