THE IDOL: Control. 

“I can’t change the world, but I can change the world in me.”
- Bono (in 1981) 

Human beings love to be in control. Since the beginning of history, all of us have ignored our obvious smallness and powerlessness, and we’ve tried to wrap our tiny fingers around the control panel of the universe. We all fail at this impossible task, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to gain control in any way we can. Like Bono, our method changes to focusing on a smaller world to control. Our own little bubble. Humans try to gain control in two main areas: 

1.  Control over our identity. 
2. Control over our situation. 

When it comes to identity, we live in a society that encourages us to take the reins. No one has the right to tell us who we are. We get to write our own script. The message has moved beyond “discover who you are” to “create your own identity.” This control over our identity-creation is a heavy burden to bear, but it easily becomes an idol because we love the feeling of importance and freedom and independence it brings. 

But our grab for control doesn’t stop on the inside. We try to control our outer situations as well. Fueled by fear, our thoughts pace through every scenario to give us a sense of preparedness. Fueled by pride, we don’t want to be perceived as powerless in any given circumstance. Fueled by shame, we don’t want to be exposed. So we bow at the altar of Control in order to navigate life in the way we want. The damaging lie takes root: If we remain in control of our circumstances, life will go well for us. 

Here are some diagnostic questions to gauge your level of struggle with this idol: 

Diagnostic Question: Do I hate being told what to do? Do I hate being told who I am (even from my friends, family, or God)? Do I resent people who try to put me into a box? Do I need to control how other people perceive me? Am I anxious about the unknown? Do I play through every possible scenario in my head before facing a new situation? 

-OR- 

I get really angry, annoyed, and frustrated when other people interrupt my plans. I need to know exactly what God is up to (in the details) in order to trust and obey Him. I will only be faithful to God as long as He doesn’t put me in situations that are outside my control. I feel important, accomplished, successful, and needed when I’m in control. 

The idol of Control whispers lies in our ears: 

THE LIE: Control is freedom. I get to decide who I am. No one can tell me what to do. If there is an authority telling me what to do, then I’m not free. My personal experience and viewpoint decide what is true. I need to be in control of a situation in order to be safe, secure, and at peace. I can only trust myself when it comes to my own well-being. 

In the life of Joseph (Gen. 37-50), we see the lies of Control exposed and we see the goodness of God shine through. Joseph had every ounce of control stripped away from him when he was betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery. Landing in the unfamiliar land of Egypt, he is forced to navigate his new life in a new culture with a new language in a new household. Everything that was familiar for Joseph was gone. He went from being the favorite son to a foreign slave. But, we learn that God was still with him. 

 ² “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. ⁴ So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. ⁵ From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field.” Gen. 39:2-5

Joseph was not in control, but God was. And God is faithful. God’s blessing was able to follow Joseph through tragedy and all the way to Egypt. Unfortunately though, circumstances got even worse for Joseph. After becoming the favorite slave, he is then falsley accused of rape and thrown into prison. Alone. Abandoned. Forgotten. But then the Bible says this: 

 ²¹ “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. ²² And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. ²³ The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.” Gen. 39:21-23 

God was still able to show Joseph steadfast love and faithfulness in this dire and tragic situation. The Lord is not caught off guard by our circumstances. He knows them all and He remains with us through them all. Which leads us to the good news. 

 THE GOSPEL: Surrender is freedom. God is in control. He is in control of my situation. He is in control of my identity. He is good, kind, loving, and worth trusting. He works all things together for His glory and my good. 

Joseph learns that God is in control and He can use anything and everything for His good plan. Listen to what he says to his brothers who had hated and mistreated him: 

 ¹⁹ “But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. ²¹ So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Gen. 50:19-21

Joseph knew there was a God in control; orchestrating all the events of his life to bring about good for others. Joseph learned it is a fool’s errand to strive after control. And it is the blessing of the wise to put their trust in God. 

Bono had to learn a similar lesson. Young Bono (in 1981): “I can’t change the world, but I can change the world in me.” After singing this catchy and quippy line, he went on to support the global poor and raise money to provide for them. He started multiple non-profits and put on charity shows. He met with politicians and presidents. He made a massive impact on planet earth to relieve poverty and hunger. But throughout this journey, he started to discover an unsettling truth. Even though he was able to have global impact, he was finding it impossible to control something much closer to home: his own self. 

 Old Bono (in 2022): “I can change the world, but I can’t change the world inside of me.” 

The scariest thing we can’t control is our own sin. Our own broken soul. Our own sick heart. We have to surrender to King Jesus - He is the only One who can give us a new heart. Who can forgive our sin. Who can heal our soul. Who can make us righteous. And He’s happy to do it! Slay the idol of control. Wave the white flag. And let Him in.