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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Bible Reflection Things in my control

Things in my control

Posted on June 12, 2025 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


At a Bible Study I attend, one of the men handed out a sheet of paper containing two lists. One list showed the things that are outside of our control. The other detailed the things that we can control.

In reality, the list of things outside our control would be a long list, and since by definition they are things that we cannot change or influence, there is limited benefit from concentrating upon them.

Therefore, I thought it might be beneficial to readers of this blog to list thing things that we can control. That list, with Scriptural support, is shown below.

How I Treat Others

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” (Luke 6:31, NASB 95)

What I Think About

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NASB 95)

My Obedience to God

““If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NASB 95)

Forgiving Others

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14, NASB 95)

My Effort to Grow Spiritually

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, NASB 95)

How I Handle Temptation

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NASB 95)

My Faith in God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NASB 95)

How Much I Pray

“pray without ceasing;” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB 95)

My Attitude

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NASB 95)

My Words

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:6, NASB 95)

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Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

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