Human Flourishing Assignment

Control: Good, Bad, or Ugly?

            In her essay “Human Flourishing”, Danielle Sallade makes some observations about the busy life of the average college student. The students are bright and enthusiastic, but they are also constantly working or studying, always trying to get things done. They pursue a career to make money, get prestige, or please their parents, instead of focusing on where their interests and talents take them. Rather than setting aside time to be with God, they study or socialize. They are always trying to be in control, trying to keep a tight grasp on their schedules.

            I’m not saying that control is a bad thing. It’s certainly better than being out of control, living a party lifestyle that leads to destruction. I have to believe, however, that there is a middle ground somewhere between a white-knuckled grip and a completely carefree attitude.

Work is a good thing, because it was made by God for us to do. If we do the work that God gives us to do, then we find a new, less hurried sense of accomplishment. Whenever we give God what we owe Him of our time, energy, and money, we find that not only is God pleased, but we are as well. We realize that it is not the paycheck that provides for us, it is our God.

            God’s desire is that we have the best that we can have, and that is not accomplished when we are over-worked. We find it when we do the work God has for us.