Control and Power Part 1

[Juan and Yenan]

CONTROL AND POWER

Violence is a spiritual problem that is project into society. Violence or abuse is not a women’s issue neither a men’s problem. Violence or abuse is the face of deception. Abuse is a social problem according to groups who believe that change will come through a social transformation of values and beliefs.

When defining a social problem from a biblical perspective we need to focus on individuals living in a world that is sensory experienced and understood, influenced by what they learn, and by their spiritual realm. However, what we learn comes from personal experiences that our senses interpret and references already affected by the distorted worldly knowledge.

Teacher, parent, and/or caregiver pass down their teachings, under the influence of their personal experiences and other people’s process of learning and experiences. From this perspective, we continue to stand inside the circle, because of what is already clear that the abuser is in control and he has power over the weak.

Social transformation is not possible without individual transformation, which consists of a change of heart. Without a change of values and beliefs in the conscious and unconscious mind of the abuser and the abused change can never occur. Transformation begins in the individual, and the only one that can change the distortion of the mind is God’s grace, through Jesus Christ, the Word, and the restorative work of the Holy Spirit.

The change begins in the heart of the wounded person. The self becomes integrated, whole and healthy, when you reconcile with God. Your authentic self is the only one that can listen and communicate with God, which is only possible when your heart is healed/saved, restored and transformed.

More than 1,900 years ago, the Apostle Paul was dealing with the manifestation of the sinful human nature in the church. Today, we continue dealing with the same problems in the church and in society alike. Control and Power are the face of deception in the world, in society, in church and in family, which manifest as: physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and spiritual violence or abuse.

Clinicians and ministers need to have a very clear idea of what is to be a victim of abuse and what is not. They have to identify abuse and its consequences so they do not become abusers of the people God trust them. They must understand the language and the consequences of abuse, to identify the tools used for oppression as a means to obtain and maintain control and power over individuals that are considered and valued as less and as objects and possessions. Control and power are the basic needs of a darkened understanding and a hardened heart that is fed with a continual lust for more. Abusers are followers of the ways of the world (control and power) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:2). Thus, they manifest behaviors that are expressed as the fruits of the flesh.

The acts of the fallen and sinful nature are obvious:

Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery

Idolatry and witchcraft

Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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 5:19-21).

copyrights 2006-2008 Rev Dr Yenan Silen-Perez