What Controls You?

By Lance Cordle

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey; either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16, ESV)
    If you consider a broad range of people you will find them motivated in life by a variety of factors. Each person’s everyday choices and decisions are steered by one primary, motivating factor. The person may not even realize what that factor is, but when they stop and consider the decisions that bring them to the point where they are in life, they see it. The realization may not be a pleasant experience, but it can be life-changing.
    Have you sat down and analyzed your decisions in life? Have you honestly asked why you have done the things you have done? Pause for a moment and ask if any of the following things could be driving your life. I have listed many things which lead one away from God. I have also listed some things which have their proper place in one’s priorities (behind Christ). For emphasis, I have placed the lordship of Christ last. Keep in mind, these things are to be honestly and soberly assessed. If the one that best fits you is the lordship of Christ, rejoice!—You are doing well. But if the motivating force of your life is sinful, or is a misplaced priority, please change . . . Now, what is controlling your life?
    ¨Popularity?
    ¨Greed?
    ¨Fear?
    ¨Love for family?
    ¨Addiction?
    ¨Adventure?
    ¨Pleasure?
    ¨Physical fitness?
    ¨Diminished self-esteem?
    ¨Anger?
    ¨Revenge?
    ¨Jealousy?
    ¨Intellectual pride?
    ¨Lust?
    ¨Ambition?
    ¨Anxiety?
    ¨Lordship of Christ?
Please remember this: When you figure out what is driving you, you should have a pretty good idea of where you are going.

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com