BREAKING THE YOKE OF CONTROL IN FAMILIES

   

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

  "You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face."

2 Corinthians 11:20 NLTBible 

   The church in Corinth consisted of persons with a culture of abuse , a case in point was the young man who was in a sexual  relationship with his step mother . Prior to Paul's letter in 1 Corinthians 5: the church was dominated by persons who supported this lifestyle ,this young man was cheating on his dad . 

   One of the errors common in young churches is the appointment of spiritually immature persons to the position of leadership , in a bid to grow the church and for material benefits many pastors fall victim of this trap . 

    This  results in a culture of abuse in the society : a perfect recipe for an invasion by false prophets whose targets are the emotionally vulnerable especially women . That was the situation in the Corinthian church . The scriptures says in "These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."2 Corinthians 11:13‭-‬14 NLTBible. 

   False prophets feed on people's worries and operate using three principles of witchcraft control to enslave their victims namely 1) Manipulation 2) Intimidation 3) Dominion or oppression. These are the features of a marriage that has opened its doors to false prophets , they are without direction and always engrossed in lifeless activities that deprive spouses the opportunity of spending quality time together and with their children, this is the reason behind so many fragmented families in Africa where such prophets are celebrated .The Corinthians had been so conditioned by these prophets to being controlled and dominated . Under such a condition a person becomes suspicious of everyone , very insensitive to the feelings of other's and irresponsible ,shifting blame and full of worries  . This is counterproductive to the development of any  community. 

   When apostle Paul  visited the church in Corinth they where expecting him to exploit them like others but where amazed by his response . "But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. 2 Corinthians 1:24 NLTBible  

   Family members should be encouraged to have a personal fellowship with God without being coerced into lifeless religious activities . This makes us emotionally sensitive and more expressive in our relationship . False religion hardens the human heart and we hurt family members without considering how they feel , it centres on materialism and is hinged on activities that affects the human body ( externalism) but not the heart . “...saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, ..." Matthew 6:31‭-‬32 NLTBible . In our daily prayers we should ask the Lord for wisdom to relate with others , emotional healing and sensitivity , strength to overcome our worries and trust in the Lord more often. 

Prayer: Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power for excellence, wisdom for relationships and productivity in Jesus name. 

 +2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com