Mind Control

Disclaimer…if ever I am thrown into a vat of toxic waste like I will mention in a moment (because you know that happens to people every day), wishes for a speedy death will trump any hidden desires for super strength. The same is true for bites from radioactive insects or injections of any secret formula administered by a mad scientist. Just thought I should make that clear.

In my previous post, I wrote about my fascination with movies and T.V. shows based on characters with super-human abilities. As a fan of these shows, I cannot help wondering what I would do if I was thrown into a vat of toxic waste and emerged with out-of-this-world capabilities? What super power would I most like to have and how would I use it?

While there are a flurry of cool super powers for the taking, I do have a favorite. It separated itself from all the others one morning as Pumpkindoodle glared at me and refused to wear anything that I asked her to put on, and Pickle hurled blocks in my direction as an act of defiance.

Mind control.

Oh, I wouldn't use it in a bad way, I at first reasoned, just to help make life a little easier. I wouldn't make all the decisions for my kids...just the ones that involved obeying me. As the days and weeks went on, I thought of more ways as to how I'd use my new mind controlling abilities should ever they come. Sadly, none of my ideas involved lowering crime, world peace, or convincing celebrities (because you know if I had a super power Oprah would interview me) to live on $200,000 a year and donate the rest of their money to orphans.

My ideas for my imaginary super powers were self-centered. My children would eat their vegetables, wear the clothing I set out for them, and refrain from all acts of disobedience. The Professor would begin his mornings at four thus enabling him to come home early, make dinner, clean the kitchen, and suggest that I take more bubble baths. Babysitters would gladly exchange their services for a home cooked meal and a plate of brownies, and leasing agents at our apartment complex would eagerly agree to having our place remodeled.

And, this is why God in His infinite wisdom did not bestow me with the ability to control minds, nor any other super power that I could abuse. He knew I would unintentionally destroy the planet. However, He did entrust me with one mind to be in command of…my own. I have the power to choose selflessness over selfishness; to choose forgiveness over resentment; to choose peace over bitterness; to choose joy over despair. And while I cannot dictate the response of others, I make sure that my actions and reactions are consistent to God's teaching.

Romans 8:5-8 New International Version

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.