The Good Idea/Obedience/Control

Good morning my friends….

What a great day it is to be able to come together and share our thoughts. Let’s dig right in today with something that I have been thinking about.

I’ve been thinking about the difference between obedience and control. I believe that there is a fine line between obedience and control.

The on-line dictionary states that obedience is… Dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority.

The on-line dictionary states that control is…To exercise authoritative or dominating influence over; direct.

Let’s take for instance the military…I understand that there is required obedience in boot camp. You learn how to do everything the military way. One must be obedient to the officer in charge. This may very well be a life or death teaching and one must grab hold of the instructions.

Some say that the officers in charge are controlling. I’ve never been through it but I can only imagine that you must be obedient to their orders whether it comes off as controlling or not.

Let’s look at our everyday world. Are our children obedient to us? Are we obedient to our employers? Are we obedient to our teachers and mentors?

Do you ever feel controlled by someone who has a higher ranking than you? Do you think I must be obedient because it is for my own good?

When we feel controlled we dig in our heels and say, I’m too old for this stuff. Sometimes we feel as if we know better or maybe we are just stubborn.

If we are not use to someone “telling us what to do” we bristle a bit, don’t we? If we are under someone’s teaching and guidance then we must be obedient to them. We must respect authority.

I’m sure that many people are into controlling others but I also know that out of love many people guide and direct others in a way that must be obeyed. Some people are put in our path to “bring us up.”

We should recognize who these people are and be respectful and obedient to their teachings. As long as you know in your heart that this teaching is good; then you should allow the process to proceed.

If it feels like control and you cannot get out easily; then maybe you should re-think where you are at and who you are with.

Maybe we should stop fighting so much and listen to what is being said. Be obedient and learn from the ones who have gone before us. They paved the way. They made the difference. Nancy (www.justaskbooks.com)