From the beginning of creation, we (mankind) have been self-centered. We want our way and nothing less. Do not tell us what to do. Or, what to think. Or, that we are lesser than anyone. From Eve’s desire for the apple to all the wars and civil injustices leading up to this moment, we have wanted what we wanted and we want to be in control. We are prideful and arrogant. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16.

Conflicting desires and opinions and the struggle for control have led to everything from family disharmony to wars in which brother fought brother or nation fought nation. All because one man’s desire to have his own way and to have control was in conflict with another’s.

Mankind is so self-centered and arrogant. We seem to be of the mindset that, as long as we get what we want (which changes moment by moment), we care not the cost. Selfishness and pride are at the core of man’s disharmony with other men… and with God. And It has been this way since the garden of Eden.

The enemy tempted Eve by saying that she could be like God. “⁵ For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5. She had a desire to be like God and she chose to listen to the enemy rather than God. Because of her sin, God evicted Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Worse yet, mankind was separated from God.

The enemy worked similarly in Shinar (Babel) in Genesis 11. God told Noah and his family to multiply and fill the whole earth. But the people decided that they would build for themselves a city. They built for themselves a tower (the Tower of Babel) so that God would not scatter them around the world. They wanted control of where they went. So, they were going to “make a city and a name for themselves”. No one (including God) was going to control them or tell them where to go. “Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4. They had a desire to be like God.

It is God whose name is Holy and of import. And it is God who is in control.

In this place that we came to know as Babel, God revealed His power over man. God created different languages and caused the people to be unable to communicate with each other. In doing so, He ceased the building of their tower. And, He scattered them (in spite of their efforts to not be scattered), showing them that He is the one in control.

Mankind still desires control. Our families are divided, our neighborhoods are divided, our nation is divided, and we wage war against one another.

We want control. We have a desire to be like God.

Or do we?!?

God’s desire is that we would be like Him, as His Son is like Him. “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1; “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2; “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:29 (NLT).

Jesus does not sin. “You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.” 1 John 3:5. And we should strive to be sinless (not being perfect because that is impossible, but trying).

Jesus always pleases God. “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” John 8:9. We too should be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

He served others. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” John 13:14-15. And He asked that we serve one another in the same way.

He loves us. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34. And He asked that we love one another in the same way.

If we really did strive to become more like God, instead of fighting God for control, this world would become a better place. We would experience abundant blessings.

Father God, we praise You for Your word and the way that You speak to us through it. We praise You that You gave us a perfect example of what You desire of us (Your Precious Son, Jesus). We praise You that when we aren’t like You, You still offer us forgiveness (through the blood of Your precious Son).

Father, forgive us for falling so incredibly short. Forgive our rebellion and struggle to take control from you and make gods of ourselves. Holy Spirit, lead us to love others (even our enemies) in such a way that our Father in Heaven would be glorified. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our desire should be to walk as Jesus walked. We should have a desire to be like God. Not to be a god. We need to serve, honor, and please our Heavenly Father and to love those around us in a way that will cause them to desire a relationship with Him too.

Church, if we will have a desire to be like God and live it out, this world will be changed! Live it!

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and have been struggling to try and control your life (which keeps ending up a mess) you probably have a desire to be like God. If so, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. I promise you that God can — and will — clean up your mess if you will give Him the control to do it. He is an expert at making order of chaos. Trust Him and He will never forsake you. He is God and we are not. But He loves us and wants to be our everything.

Please pray that prayer and once you have, reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know. I’d love to be in prayer for you and help you grow in your knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Luv Ya!