FAITH OR FEAR?
For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful]. — Romans 14:23 Is it possible to allow someone to control and manipulate us, honestly saying we are doing so in faith? Of course not! We know this type of behavior is rooted in fear, not faith. Faith obeys God, but fear is easily intimidated and finds many excuses for disobedience. A person who is a perfectionist, a workaholic, or involved in sexual perversion is just as dependent as someone who is addicted to a chemical substance like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. If we try to meet the needs of that person at the expense of our own needs, we are co-dependent upon that individual. It is good to help people who have been hurt; but when their emotional needs begin to control us, we are in danger of being led by them and their problems instead of being led by the Holy Spirit of God. Faith causes us to step out and say or do what God places in our hearts, but fear causes us to timidly stay under control and domination. How many times have we heard manipulative people say things like, "I'm old, and you don't care anything about me now," or "I raised you all of your life. I sacrificed to house and clothe you and put you through school, and now you want to just leave me here all alone"? There is a balance to be maintained in such situations. That balance is the Holy Spirit within us to guide us into the truth of each situation. He will provide us the wisdom to know when we are to be adaptable and adjustable and when we are to take a firm stand and be immovable. Always keep in mind that faith obeys God, fear is easily moved by unbridled emotion! From the book New Day, New You: 365 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2007 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from Joyce Meyer Ministries
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