Lesson 28: The Idolatry of Control

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” Proverbs 16:9.

There is only one God -- and He is not you!

We might not think of “control” as an idol yet anything we come to value more than God is an idol. As humans we love to feel like we are in control of our own life, our own destiny. We believe we have control over our health, our job, our finances, and our relationships. However, this is not the case. There is only one Sovereign, one Master of the Universe: Creator-God.

Here are just three important things that we cannot control ourselves, but God does:

1. How long we will live. We can take care of our bodies with proper diet and exercise. We are told that this will allow us a long, healthy and full life. But how long will we really live? That is God’s decision. There are no guarantees no matter how hard we try. Psalm 139:16 puts it plainly, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” An accident or attack can end our life at any moment regardless of how careful and healthy we are. Because of this, we cannot trust ourselves with our lives. Rather, we must put our trust in God, for He has each moment planned.


2. Our success. There are countless articles on the internet that explain how to gain success from business, schooling, and changing your mindset. Does that mean that success is guaranteed if only we just work hard? No. “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it is here a little while, then it is gone.” James 4:13-14. Sometimes a business opportunity promises success. Though you might make a lot of money, you could also lose all of it. Or as this verse says, you might not even be alive tomorrow! (Also see Luke 12:16-21).

3. Other people’s decisions. Just as we believe we can control our own success, we believe we can control other people’s decisions and opinions. But, can we really? “As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises” (Psalm 55:20). Even if we are loving and kind, those closest to us can disappoint or even betray us. Marriages can result in infidelity, and friends can break promises. Other people are simply not under our control.

So, what does this all mean? Should we stop trying to care for our bodies, stop trying to make plans, or stop trying to build good relationships? No, the Bible tells us that these are all important (1 Corinthians 6:19; Luke 14:29). It does mean that we must seek God’s will above our own, and remember every day that His plans are the ones that will never fail! The more we submit to His will and His plans, the more we will experience His peace and joy — even when things do not turn out the way we planned.

Pray: Lord, forgive me for thinking I am in control of my destiny. Thank You that my life is in your capable hands. Help me seek first Your Kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and trust You with my life.