Why I Hate the Phrase "God is in Control"

I don't hate it because it isn't true.  It is.  I don't hate it because it shouldn't be said.  It should.  I hate it because those four simple words are so often used by Christians as an excuse rather than an encouragement.  As a passive statement rather than a passionate one.  As a reason to trust but not try.

I can't tell you how many times I heard someone say "God is in control" regarding this week's election.  I heard it when various candidate's beliefs were brought up.  I heard it while the votes were being tabulated.  I heard it after the results were in.  God is in control.  And, of course, He is.  But, each time, it was said in a way that conveniently dismissed the ultimate importance of that person's individual involvement in the process.  As if God's power gave them permission to not pay attention.

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."  But that trust is supposed to be a comfort, not a crutch.  It isn't an excuse from being concerned about our future.  It isn't a pass on all things political.  And it certainly isn't an invitation not to care.

You see, God's control doesn't eliminate our freedom to make choices and it doesn't eliminate the consequences that come from those choices.  God is in control when a husband walks out on his wife.  God is in control when somebody has a bit too much to drink and gets behind the wheel.  God is in control when a child turns her back on her faith.

Do you tell your teen to not study for the ACT because "God is in control?"

Do you play solitaire at work all day because "God is in control?"

Do you ignore your family and watch TV all day because "God is in control?"

Of course not.  So why in the world do we use that very phrase as a reason to not be an integral, involved part of our country's political process?  Why do we assume that God would rather have us spend a few extra minutes on Facebook, rather than take time to learn about the candidates and then vote for those who line up with our personal values?  Do we really think that His control will free us from the consequences of our inaction?

It's true, God has a handle on our future regardless of which party is in power or who our President is.  We can all take comfort in that.  However, we're on a slippery slope when we let His omnipotence start excusing our indifference.