There seems to be an epidemic in the realm of the spirit that is plaguing the world to stay in oppression.  Not only is the epidemic fierce, but it’s very contagious and very deadly.  The epidemic is called “Control”.  I am sure that many of you (and even me) have been plagued by control and manipulation.  As we look at the world around us, we can see how many nations, countries, and cities are being over taken by communism and manipulation of the laws to keep people bound.  But what happens if someone you know is abusing their authority over YOU?

I can earnestly say that as a recovering control freak, I have learned how to seriously be humble before God.  James 4:6 (ESV) says “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  God is NOT a fan of pride and arrogance.  It is unfortunate how many people abuse their authority.  I do not feel that control is intentional at times.  Many people (such as myself) have always been smothered by oppressing and Jezebel spirits.  I never had the ability to “be me and be free.”  The spirit of Jezebel is very dangerous!  Jezebel is a very controlling, manipulating, seducing, and treacherous spirit.  Jezebel wants to keep the voice of the prophetic shut so the truth can’t be revealed (1Kings 19:2).

The sad part about authority abuse is that it happens on our jobs, in church, in relationships, and in business affairs.  Not all people who abuse their authority originally started out that way.  Rejection is often to the culprit that leads to control.  Rejection is the feeling of abandonment, isolation, feeling unloved, unwanted, and pushed aside.  Many people who have faced rejection most of their lives may not have ever received any real ability to be “the boss” or “leader” of something.  Once the opportunity arises for the rejected to walk in the position of authority, they abuse it because feeling “powerful” and that they are a “somebody.”  Some individuals have not learned how to master the ability of walking in authority without controlling others.

The unfortunate side of recognizing control is that some people do not want to give up control or change.  I must admit that I struggled with this for most of my life.  Control wasn’t a way for me to oppress, but I always had things taken from me.  I was bullied, tossed aside, abused, and other things.  It would be hard for me to hold on to lasting relationships because I would become clingy and controlling out of fear I would be left alone.  Fear is the primary emotion of control.  Lack of self-esteem and self-worth is the dominating factor of being controlling.  So why is it that so many people fear losing control when it really isn’t theirs anyway?  The simple answer to that is…not knowing who they are and why they are in their position.

I have been in and seen marriages fall apart when one spouse feels the need to control each other.  The end results have been:

  • Attempted murder
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Verbal Abuse
  • Drug Abuse

There had always been a root cause someplace that was never dealt with.  Root causes of people’s behavior are often misinterpreted, unnoticed or unrecognized.  What makes a man or woman become a tyrant over their spouse?  What would cause a pastor or Godly leader to become so self-righteous and prideful that their spirit begins to poison and oppress their flock? As we dive further into authority abuse, my next article will explain the hidden dangers of authority abuse and control.  You will be able to see and recognize the inanimate dangers of the spirits of Absalom, Jezebel, Pharaoh, and Nebuchadnezzar.