Only GOD is in Control.....

In the Bible, the only time that the word "control" is used in reference to
man, is the control of man by God. When the word control is used in relation
to man himself it is preceded by the word "self". Self-control is mentioned
in Acts 24:25, 1 Cor 7:5, 1 Cor 7:9, Gal 5:23, 1 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy
3:3, Titus 1:8 and 2 Peter 1:6.The problem most churches (organized
religions) are having today is that they, or the Pastor's, are trying to
"control" people. They herd a bunch of people into a building a few times a
week and bash them as sinners, strip them of their position with God and
lower them to the biddings of man. God did not make anything or anyone by
mistake. And when something is not a mistake, it has a purpose. And who is
to correct or challenge the purpose of God? No one. Each of us was made in
the image of God and none is better than the other in God's eyes just all
sin is the same in the eyes of God. When anyone sets themselves above the
other they are telling God that they know better than He. Herein lies some
real danger.

When we gather together it is for edification. To lift each other up and to
encourage each other. This is especially true for Pastor's. Yes, they have a
building to maintain. They have bills to pay just like all of us do if we
want a roof over our heads. But when they get up in front of the
congregation on Sundays, they are to encourage people in their walk with
Christ. The congregation in return is to further the work of the church, not
only as a building, but in their community and out into the world. Anytime
anyone starts to "control" every one and every thing, they start to worship
themselves and cease to worship and lift up the name of Jesus. A Pastor is a
servant. He serves his God and he serves the people of the church. Each
person in the pew was created with a unique face and body and mind and
talent. God designed them this way in order that they may better serve Him.
We were not created by chance. We are not here to just get up, work, lay
down and sleep and start over again each day. We must all use our
differences and talents for the edification of God and of each other so we
may better serve God. We ALL have a kingdom to run here. Pastor's are to
teach the principles of God to their fellow men and brothers and sisters in
Christ. Stress the importance of tithing. Tithing supports the church but
also carries blessings from God that will further each man's ability to
further serve God in their daily lives as well. There is a great difference
between seeing to organization and controlling. Organization sees to it that
each person involved in the church or project is living up to their
potential to serve their church and their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Control is telling everyone that they are too stupid to function unless you,
in your infinite wisdom, have them working for you in some way. So the
person using control is stripping the person being controlled of their
natural abilities and talents given to them by their creator. This is true
with each of us. We must all learn that we all are here to serve God and to
run His kingdom not each other. If each of us would learn to be a servant to
all, we would all be served. If we all are giving, no one is left to take.
We all do a better job when we are free of oppression and control. So the
next time you decide that you are above someone else and you should control
that person, remember that only God is in control.....Patti