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“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).
Have you ever noticed the clever slogans at fast food chains? The concept each restaurant seeks to portray is that the customer is in complete and total control. For example, Burger King invites customers to come and “have it your way.” Wendy’s encourages patrons to “do what tastes right,” while Taco Bell bids their clientele to “think outside the bun” and “live mas” (live more) by choosing a burrito or taco over a hamburger. Quite often, these catchphrases become ingrained in our culture.
Now, consider how frequently these “slogans” mirror everyday life. Regarding spiritual matters, many choose to “have it their way” by embracing lifestyles that contradict God’s will. Rather than “tasting and finding the Lord to be gracious” (1 Peter 2:3). Others make the choice to “think beyond the things which are written” (1 Corinthians 4:6) and “live more” by “doing what feels right.” When all things are considered, being in complete and total control is not always a good thing.
How do we remedy this problem? We must reject conventional thinking and exercise the ultimate self-control by allowing God to take total control. Paul writes, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Kenny Westmoreland
Beech Bethany church of Christ
Celina, TN