Control and Surrender
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)
There are many reasons why I appreciate Stoicism. I have quoted Epictetus (50 CE to 135 CE) and other ancient Greek stoic philosophers in several devotions. Epictetus was born into slavery in what is now western Turkey. Later, he lived in Rome but was banished. Epictetus found his way to northwestern Greece, where the wise man spent the rest of his life teaching. The great teacher and philosopher used his struggles to define who he was and how to live meaningfully.
Epictetus was not a follower of Jesus, but that does not mean we cannot learn from his philosophy and consider it in light of our Christian faith. Thomas Oppong helps us understand a central teaching of Epictetus in his article, “Epictetus: The Chief Task In Life.” For Epictetus, “There are two choices in life-control and surrender.” Both control and surrender require active responses. Each demands the act of choosing how we will respond.
We are called to separate what we can control and what we must surrender. We surrender what we cannot control. Surrender is not failure but produces resilience. Like the Stoics, Christians are also called to surrender. When we do the same task of determining our level of command over life, we recognize how little we do control. Thankfully, we have a God to surrender to who can take control and make a lasting, beneficial difference in our lives. Oppong uses Epictetus’ teaching when he states, “Want to change your life? Focus on your circle of influence.”
When we surrender what we cannot control to our Triune God, our circles of influence expand and multiply. Stoic philosophy correctly calls us to surrender what we cannot control because otherwise, we spend our lives fruitlessly beating our heads against a wall. But when we allow God into our lives, our surrender has greater power because the Holy Spirit enhances our circles of influence, and control is found in hands much more substantial than those of you and me. Offer control and all your life over to God; surrender will be your chief task and God’s great gift.