Saturday, November 22, 2008

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.





32 comments:

Audrey said...

My first thought is of the movie "Click". What might seem like a cool super-power at first, would turn out horribly wrong. Why? Because we are, by nature, sinful and selfish. Praise God that we can choose each day to own our own actions, try to control our own thoughts and live for His purposes instead of our own.

Thanks for a great reminder!!

Candy said...

A movie came to my mind as well - Bruce Almighty! Ahh, that free will will getcha every time! But His grace is there waiting for us. Great post!

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

I guess in some ways we do have the super power of mind control. :) God has equiped us with the ability to control our own minds - even though some times it does NOT feel like it. SO often I find myself thinking "I can't help it..." It takes alot of self control to choose what's right some times. Wow it is hard!
Dealing with that very thing today.
Thanks for the reminder. :)

Mel said...

Mind control only if...:) Although the unintended consquences would get us as you so eloquently stated. The reminder that we do have control over our own mind is an great one!!!

Unknown said...

Great analogy there!!
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Anonymous said...

Great post!

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

Good post. All the things you mentioned about your kids and husband are things I'd wish for too. Funny how as selfish people we'd always look to change those around us and not we ourselves!

Brenda Susan said...

Whoa, I had no idea you were going there. (to a control your own mind message!) Very good post! I get really tired of "devotional" posts that I can see a mile away because I used to write them a lot. This was good because it is true & honest & not cutsey.

Misty said...

it's funny... i used to have a wishing game that i played with myself... i pretended my wishes could come true, but then i tried applying all these rules to them; couldn't hurt anyone else, couldn't be utterly selfish, etc., and lo and behold i had to out-talk all of my wishes. i soon stopped playing! :) yes, it's amazing that he HAS equipped us w/ a strength to control our thoughts so that we can "put on" a mind of righteousness

Melissa Stover said...

when i was a kid i wished for magic powers like samantha on bewitched. i thought wiggling my nose and my room getting cleaned would be awesome!

Denise said...

Really good post.

Gretchen said...

I'll be back when I finish being convicted. Harumph.

Um...yeah...me too. Lining up behind Paul and every other Christian if they know what's good for them. "Sorry, God. Please help me focus on You, and Holy Spirit, please, please help me to bend my will toward all that is good. In Jesus' name. Amen."

melissa ellen parker said...

I love your blog!

I love this post!

You are very articulate!!

Aspiemom said...

What is a tag? You commented on my blog you "loved reading my tag."

Angela Nazworth said...

Aspie Mom---Perhaps I read too quickly---the list of items about you, I thought that you wrote them there b/c you were tagged in a meme. I liked you post is all I meant. Sometimes my wires short circuit when I am speed reading. :-)

Erin said...

I love your own sentence, about controlling your own mind, and how your actions can mean something. (I would like to "make" my kids eat veggies too though!)

D... said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and your sweet words. I never thought about making my son's blanket in that way. You have inspired me to really finish it and make sure it truly is made with love.

I, too, love Heroes and the superhero type movies. God certainly knew what He was doing when he made us "ordinary". Free will is certainly power enough. And with great power, comes great responsibility. I wish all used free will with responsibility. Me included.

sister sheri said...

I love it... Mind control... we need to start with our own mind. Thanks!

Muthering Heights said...

That's a great way to look at it...although I will admit, the whole mind control over a toddler bit DID sound a bit enticing...

Jennifer said...

Another inspiration!

littletoesandcheerios said...

I guess most of us would feel the same as you.
Perfect scripture for that super power!

sara said...

great post and you're right, I can control my mind...though these days I sometimes wonder!!

Renna said...

God knows what we're capable of handling, and I feel quite certain, He'd know I wouldn't be able to handle those super powers, either!

Thank you for visiting my blog, today! :-)

Karen Hossink said...

What a great post, Angela. Clever and thoughful all wrapped into one!
I must admit, it is hard enough to control my own mind that I don't think it would be good if I had the power to control others'...But the idea of getting the kids to obey all the time?! Do you think we could have this power for just one day???? LOL

Amanda said...

Great thoughts and perspective Angela. You tied it all together so well...

many blessings-
Amanda

Amydeanne said...

I was thinking of heros.. the tv show lol... oh wouldn't i like that superpower!
great post!

Unknown said...

Great reminder. I often get caught up in selfishness. Ugh. I need to lean on the Lord to help me put Him and others first.

Anonymous said...

Hey there!

Thanks for visiting my blog AND leaving a comment.

Great post--great reminder! :)

Tales From the Eurovan said...

The battle of the mind... that and the battle of the tongue. Two of the most challenging areas in the Christian life, at least they are for me!

Take care,
Julie

Karin Katherine said...

What a great writer you are! I would use the super mind control to potty train Pumpkin and 8 month old Cutie Pie while I'm at it. What the heck? Might as well give up the diapers all around!

Shannon said...

So true! I would abuse my powers for sure although my secret super power wish has always been to be able to fly. I think I would just neglect my responsibilities while soaring in the open sky. Not good:)

Kimberly said...

You have me laughing out loud and covering my mouth so as not to wake up my still sleeping cuties, and then you serve me up a word I need!

Blessings, sweet friend! You are just great!

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