You have probably heard the saying the title of this post is referring to.
But have you thought about it?
Thought about it to the extent that it pertains to your daily life?
Sure it would be convenient to say you rule circumstances, but is that really the case? And, if not, could it be?To the author it seems circumstances largely rule people. like in the famous quote by Euripede (or Herodotus).
Okay, maybe not rule. But significantly affect.
This post looks at how the common quote about your circumstances ruling you can be applied to getting meaning out of your life.For example, in the list below, have you done these kinds of things, or known someone who has?
- The person who talks about how others should be treated,
and then steps on other people's toes to get a promotion at work
2. The person who preaches to others about "having a backbone",
and then caters to the beautiful woman (or man) in a way they don't really want
3. The person who lectures you about taking care of your health,
and then has their children play contact sports that are prone to injuries or has a substance abuse issue?
4. The one who says to work hard and play by the rules,
and, when offered something they don't really deserve, says "why not just take it?"
5. The one who follows the Bible and talks about Christianity,
and then channels their energy into "keeping up with the Joneses"
You probably get the idea.
Things sound good to say to others, but when it comes down to it, people often do something else. Actions speak louder than words.
This is not so much to be judgmental, as we all do these kinds of things sometimes. It is to make a point.
Sometimes earthly circumstances give the appearance of "ruling" people.It is not to say people are all evil, or just don't follow the Bible. Humans have basic things to be done for survival, including health, social, financial, food, freedom from pain and battling the elements.
It is an observation that is to make a point.
Perhaps one way of looking at the meaning of life is that it is a gradual process to get people to realize they have the choice of whether to "rule" their circumstances.
This means choosing the first alternative in the examples above.
It is difficult to do sometimes? Yes.
Can it be done? Yes, with the right way of looking at things.
Those choices involve the soul, and a process. It would not be simple or right away.
Perhaps God thinks humans know the right answer deep down, but the flesh and soul war together to help you learn.
Christianity consists of things like prayer, fasting and church services to help strengthen you in the process. God did not intend for you to do it by yourself.
Romans 8:6 reads,
"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,"God knows about this ongoing battle in humans. He created them and gave them his revealed Word.
He could have just told people that following him was a wise course of action. But he decided that humans should live on the physical plane, and let them find out for themselves.
God also knows making the first choice, as in the examples above, is good for you in the long term (and maybe even the short term).
Do circumstances rule you?
