Manipulation
I have met people who are masters at manipulation. They use people to get whatever it is they want. They are not the type of people that I want as a friend. In fact they will even manipulate their friends and family to serve them. I have been on the short end of relationships like this and I’ve learned to spot them a good distance away. I can be kind and civil to people who manipulate, but I don’t want to allow them to be close to me or have influence on me.
I see this often in people with power. I believe that some politicians are masters at this for sure. I’ve seen preachers manipulate the emotions of people to try to win them to the Lord. I believe manipulation is dishonest and deceitful. I’ve made decisions in the past under the cloud of manipulation and didn’t realize it until the reality of the decision set in. (aka the payments! J) I’ve learned to speak candidly and frankly with people. Even though I’m in “sales” as a REALTOR, I try very hard to give the facts and information to help the buyer make a solid decision instead of manipulating a quick sale so that I can get paid.
The people of Israel seemed to have lost their way. The office of the high priest was corrupt. His sons were openly wicked and disrespectful to God. The people of Israel are fighting a war with the Philistines and they loose a battle. Someone has the bright idea that if we bring the Ark of The Covenant into battle that God won’t let the Philistines win. This was nothing more than manipulation of God to give them the battle. There is no mention of seeking God and asking for His help, they simply go the manipulation route. Check this out…
4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
10 So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. (1 Samuel 4:4,10-11 NIV)
I believe that God is totally in charge of this world. He can do anything He wants. He can move mountains into the sea if He wants. As I’ve studied His Character throughout scripture, He doesn’t like to be manipulated or treated like Santa Claus. He wants a personal relationship with me. I’ve made “deals” with God before, trying to get Him to do what I want. I’ve learned to simply ask Him to act and move. I’ve also learned that His Will and His Way are higher than my way. I heard a great quote in our Life Group study yesterday that says, “when we think God has missed the target, it’s because we’re so short-sighted that we can see what He was aiming at”. God ALWAYS has a plan and He wants me to be a part of His Plan. He doesn’t want me to invite Him into my plan – that’s where manipulation enters the equation. I want to totally trust His Plan for me and insert myself into His Purpose and Plan for my life.
Pressing On!
Dwayne