Man the Conqueror by Stuart Segall
It is said “God without man is God. Man without God is…nothing” That is true, but for me, man without God is a world history of problems.
Aaah, man! Yes, the natural, ungoverned man loves his power. In the business world he shoots for the top, and then……goes after it.
Man, the hunter often loves the thrill of the conquest. Then there is government. The guy who wants to be the Mayor, Governor, congressman, senator, all the way up to the president of the United States. Man on his own wants to dominate and lead. His intentions are sometimes good in these pursuits, but do you think they last long once the position of power is achieved?
Like the song ‘looking for love in all the wrong places,” man wants to be in charge and often times at best, for all the wrong reasons. When you are on “the road to Damascus” and God gets your attention, then the true “ah-ha” moment on this subject begins to unfold.
When we embrace the higher power, we find that in the power of love, there lies the best outcome. Man loves to display his conquests and power trophies but the finest moments of loving are often not on display.
Now I know I have pointed to man and not addressed this as man and woman. The heart of the message is for both, but the history of humankind is man dominating and using his dominion in less than noble ways. This is a male proclivity and which in turn is a compliment to women who just seem to have a better understanding and heart in this area. Sure, there are exceptions on both sides but to deny our history is to miss the understanding.
Jeremiah 10:23 “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” This is a potent and sincere understanding…a true reality check. When we embrace the highest power, we find that in the power of love, there lies the best outcome.
Boys love growing up with “show and tell” and a man grows up to want to display his conquests and power trophies, but when God steps in and gets his attention, he begins to understand the finest moments of loving are often not on display.
Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” This same writer reminds us we were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
We can do works without Him, but the works will not be His good works. We can only be sure we are doing His good works when we breathe Him in daily.
I believe when God truly breathes Himself into you and you yield to that divine breath, you will exhale mercy, justice, servant-hood and love. Breathe Him in so He can breathe His life out through you.
Stuart Segall lives about an hour north of Seattle. He has spent most of his adult life counseling, encouraging, inspiring and uplifting others.
Plain Truth Ministries | Box 300 | Pasadena, CA 91129-0300
