It bothers me to see believers use the language of control when speaking of their relationship with the Champion of their freedom. I think Father leads us as a Shepherd. But then I know especially among the pentecostals there may be a different viewpoint. So then you know what I think, now what scripture indicates the Holy Spirit completely controls people like automotons? This is not my God. As far as I know automotons cannot love. Nor can they serve from a willing heart.
I am not talking here about Father controlling some circumstances beyond our person. I am asking about the nature of the indwelling Spirit.
Thoughts? Thank you.
2007-01-28 14:35:25 · 24 answers · asked by David P 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The good shepherd neither leads nor controls his sheep. He simply sets the example by going ahead of them to show them the best path to reach water, good grass*, and how to avoid the pitfalls of the journey.
*no pun intended.
Well you may be talking about something else, but I am talking about Jesus.
2007-01-28 14:43:04 · answer #1 · answered by MrsOcultyThomas 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Christians can choose to ignore the guidance and the instructions we receive through the Holy Spirit. It is much the same as living with a parent telling you what to do and teaching you how to grow. When you don't heed the instructions you then learn by the consequences. It is not mind control or possession, just the willingness to obey the voice we recognize as God's voice. We can choose to ignore it if we want but just as a child ignores the voice of the parent we can get in trouble and then God will have to bail us out.
2007-01-28 22:59:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lead, Yes. Control, No. And I am Pentecostal.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
We are lead by the spirit, but we have the freedom to choose to not follow. Way too many Christians are following their own reasoning instead of the spirit, mainly because they don’t know how to listen to the spirit, or in many cases even believe that the spirit speaks. This is why so many churches are screwed up. These people are also counterproductive. They drive people away from Christ instead of to him. Who would want to be part of their church? Not me.
2007-01-28 22:52:41 · answer #3 · answered by Caveman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guidance or Control. A matter of perspective.
I love to watch an experianced couple ballroom dance. Is he leading her or controling her? In order for them to flow together she has yeilded control to ALLOW him to lead. His signals to her are invisable to others but perfectly felt by her. Beauty, grace and wonder result.
Guidance: It's when we surrender and say, "God U & I DANCE"
I've been both a "fundamental" and "pentecostal", not to mention Presbyterian. I found the first no fun, mostly mental and full of ism's. The last told me I had no choice, everything was cast in stone and my lot was to grin and bear it. Now, it's sometimes scarey but, - - I do enjoy the dance!
Blessings.
2007-01-28 23:31:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God leads us as to the exact degree that we're listening and allowing him to. But do not think of this as in a human leading the way for you. Think in the light that God's still small voice on the inside tells us the right decisions to make, the right things to say, etc.
2007-01-28 22:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by Heaven's Messenger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religions date back to a time when
the major industry was sheep and
shepherd's.
Thus, this protocol spilled over into
various tribes, their beliefs and
their temples.
Indeed, God writes the genetic code
up to the point where water shows up.
But after that, species are on their own.
I personally believe that mankind's
function is to exploit possibilities. If God
wanted us to be sheep, He would have made
us sheep.
For what it's worth.
2007-01-28 22:56:32 · answer #6 · answered by kyle.keyes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believers yield control over their lives to other influences. There is no God sitting in a cloud, either physically or metaphorically. Use your strength to command your destiny. Act for the good of the world as best you can. Your intelligence will be there to guide you.
2007-01-28 22:48:50 · answer #7 · answered by bullwinkle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Since the Jews appear as nations in the earth,God gave them the rights to do anything they want. (Free will). Now, the Christians (through Jesus) have the same rights. We're not robots. God never complain wether if you follow Him or not, since He has teach you each concequenze. If you follow Him, you'll end at heaven, at His Kingdom. If not, the fire of hell will be waiting for you.
2007-01-28 22:48:01 · answer #8 · answered by Stanley R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God does neither one. GOD gave humans a free will, everything is of your own choice or our choices.
GOD did not MAKE humans believe in HIM or love HIM, HE gave instead, free choice.
If GOD had made everything perfect for us, and took away free choice, then HE would only have robots.
GOD does not run behind us cleaning up our messes.
We have been given all that we need.
The capacity to LOVE, Reason, Learn, and FREE CHOICE!
All that is ugly is because Humans CHOSE to have UGLY!
We could chose LOVE and the ugliness would all go away!
Why should GOD do that for us?
2007-01-28 22:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am actually freely surrendering my life to my Lord and Savior. I am learning to let Him to be in control in my life. God knows what is the best for me.
Holy Spirit just gently guides us and pulls us to the right direction. Holy Spirit helps us to communicate with our God and gives us clarity when we study God's Word.
2007-01-28 23:01:48 · answer #10 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never thought of God controlling me. I am following him, not being controlled by him. If God controlled us there would be no evil in the world. All humans are born sinners, we are all sinners in some way. This would not be so if he controlled us. As we follow sometimes we wander off the path he has laid out for us. God bless you....
2007-01-28 22:40:21 · answer #11 · answered by ~♥Aimee♥~ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋