To control is to exercise restraining or directing influence over another; to have power over or rule another.

Controlling someone is to dominate them, think for them, speak for them and even act for them.

I could write several books about being in relationships with controlling men. It seemed I was magnetized to males that were domineering. I prefer assertive men and initially viewed the guys as confident and self-assured but soon realized they were oppressive and insecure.

A tyrannical spirit is not something we want as part of our repertoire.

The person with an overprotective spirit is unable to control emotions and consequently angers easily if things don’t go their way.

We are to walk by the Holy Spirit and not give in to the fleshly desires of control, hurt, anger, fear, pride, arrogance, and all the other emotions that give the body satisfaction.

Apostle Paul said we can control the flesh and the lusts thereof. He warned that the Holy Spirit and our spirit are in conflict with each other. Each person must make the choice to follow the Holy Spirit or their own spirit.

“16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5: 16-21 (NIV)

Good words to muse, right?

Read Galatians 5:22-26 to find out behaviors opposite the ones of the flesh.

How would you describe your attitude?