Five ways to get control.

1. Plan to take the reins.

2. Take time to consider.

3. Don’t move too fast.

4. Listen more, talk less.

5. Resist the external pressures.

Control is a necessary part of who and what we are. Without it we flounder and squander our lives with insignificant and unimportant things. With it we can develop character and make our lives more pleasant.

“Control” is derived from a Latin word contrarotulus, which is comprised of two parts, one meaning “to counter” and the other “to roll,” thus to counter-roll. The Latin word meant to roll over again and again to test something. There are several English definitions, but when they are all considered collectively they add up to this: to control is to exert authority.

A controlled life is a happy life. “Let your moderation be known to all men,” (Phil 4:15 LBX) is an admonition to control. A person who can control his tongue is a wise man (Jas. 1:19 LBX). Control over every aspect of our lives is necessary to spiritual maturity (Col. 3:5 LBX). Submission to the various roles of life is a necessary fundament of true blessedness (Eph. 5:21—6:7).

I have, in this little piece, suggested five ways to get control of your life and thereby be more pleasing to God.

1. Plan to take the reins. If you give up control to others, they will lead you where they want you to go. People everywhere are waiting to take over for you. If you allow it, you no longer run your affairs—they do. The quickest way I know of to take control of your live is to, paradoxically, surrender it to Jesus Christ. Sure, you have to deny yourself (Mt. 16:24 LBX), but He will take you where you need to go. Let him have His way with you and your life will be rich, full, and productive.

2. Take time to consider. Far too many people lose control of their lives because they don’t take the time to make carefully-thought-out choices. It’s true that sometimes snap decisions are necessary. And sometimes they work—but not usually. It takes time to make good decisions, to plan activities properly. But it’s worth it. Meditation on the word of God will help you make better choices (Psa. 119:10-11 LBX).

3. Don’t move too fast. Even after careful thought it’s advisable that we don’t move too fast regarding what we’ve decided. Most good plans take time to evolve. And when we try to rush them, we’re apt to cause harm. Even the best talent takes time to develop. Even so the best plans. Take the time to build well; take the time to repair that which is broken carefully. Shoddy workmanship is a liability in every instance; and mostly it comes from being in too big a hurry to get things done. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccl. 9:10 LBX), but not too quickly, lest your destroy what might have been a good thing.

4. Listen more, talk less. This may be one of the hardest form of control. “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (Jas. 3:2 LBX). “The tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil full of deadly poison (Jas. 3:8 LBX). Nobody says that tongue-control is easy. But one of the best ways to control it is to restrict its use; and the best way to restrict its use is to learn to listen. Listening is an acquired trait; it doesn’t come naturally with many people. But it’s the easiest and fastest way to control the tongue. And you’re just sure to learn more by listening than talking.

5. Resist the external pressures. People are saturated with advertising. Considered together in all its forms, it is the biggest business in the United States today. And there’s a reason. Advertising works. And what is it’s purpose? Control, that’s what. Advertising is a strong, imposing pressure. It seeks to take control of our time, our dress, even our thinking. The voice of advertising often does not plumb with the voice of God; and that calls for serious resistance. Resist the pressure, do what’s right and you’ll be happier and blessed of God (Mt. 6:33 LBX)

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Take control, by letting Him rule your life.