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The carnal mind has desired ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden, to control itself and others. It desires not only to control itself according to its ideas, but also to make others conform to what it believes is correct.
The drives motivating the carnal mind are pride and fear. We think we have a special knowledge or calling, Or we think we know better due to our pride. We want to control because we fear things will not work out in our best interest and we will suffer. We try to seize control of the situation so that we will not be inconvenienced or suffer pain. To insure that which we fear will not happen, our deceitful heart motivates us to a variety of responses.
Some people get belligerent and they threaten harm or pain and they bully their way, overpowering the opposition through intimidation. Others go out and they gather friends to agree with them and force their way on others through sheer numbers.
Others manipulate by argument, by not letting the issue go and they talk until the other person gives up in exasperation, just to get rid of the subject. The manipulator works to control so their fear of unwanted events do not occur. Another manipulation technique is to bribe through gifts, harmony, love, friendship, or offers of inclusion. Sometimes pouting, anger, and silent treatment is used to manipulate other’s actions by trying to make them feel guilty.
Others declare, “Well this is the way it is going to be, and if you do not like it, you can lump it.” Because they are threatened with the loss of control. The manipulator’s pride fears someone else may have a better idea, or a better way, and may make them look dumb.
The human nature and the carnal mind wants to control. The only solution to fear, is dwelling in the spirit, living in faith and waiting for YHWH to open the doors we should walk through. YHWH cannot lead when our carnal mind is leading. Only, when we submit and, in faith, wait on HIM, will HE lead us. When we allow HIM to lead, HE will fight for us. Scripture cannot be broken…and there are numerous promises of just that.
Exodus 14:14 YHWH will fight for you and you be silent.
I Corin 16:13 Watch! Stand fast in the faith! Be men! Be strong!
(Adapted from an article by John Rittenhouse.)
