Manipulation: The Subtle Addiction

An addiction to control and manipulation can lurk subtly in the heart producing habits that wreak havoc in our relationships and our own lives. How does knowing the God who controls all things help us and others overcome this relationally debilitating habit? In this audio talk, Greene shares that manipulation is a deadly part of our fallen nature, a hindrance to every individual’s sanctification, and also a hindrance to communal sanctification through how we function in relationships. The Bible teaches that mankind is designed to have an insatiable appetite for God. In other words, man is dependent by design. Manipulation throws away that dependence and seeks control over others and circumstances by using various devices. We defeat manipulation through repentance and learning to imitate Jesus’ dependency.