When you take dance lessons you learn a basic principle the guy leads and the girl follows. If the girl tries to lead while the guy is simultaneously trying to lead there is chaos. Someone usually gets their foot stepped on! Ouch! Trust me it isn’t a pretty scene! Since God wants to be your Master dance partner in life, he leads and you follow. Remember Jesus said to the disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 So clearly when you dance with Jesus, he leads.
So what is a codependent dance and why doesn’t it score a rose? According to Mental Health America codependency is defined as “an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive.” So you can see why someone picking the wrong partner to dance with is not going to get a majestic rose! The golden key is who you choose in life to follow!
With codependency I can choose to follow other people, or things rather than choosing to follow Jesus. I can make an idol out of another person, sport, hobby or job. Rather than focus all my attention and passion on Jesus, I can concentrate all my mind, and body on other people or things. Many people with codependency get side tracked with their own people pleasing addiction or approval addiction and Jesus gets crowded out of the spotlight. But you say, I want to be in control!” So how is that working for you? Let’s see you have asked the creator of the universe to ride in the back seat because you have a better handle on your destiny! Really????? Here is God’s perspective, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17b If you want the best journey in life, you will follow Jesus! You will follow Jesus in everything!
Let me give you a classic example of a codependent dance scenario. A friend of mine felt like she had met the man of her dreams. She hung on his every word and gesture and talked about him all the time. She seemed obsessed with him. Her friends noticed that she was passionate about the idea of them becoming a couple. Her friends tried to give her a reality check reminding her he didn’t seem like the serious type. Her friends argued he wasn’t good enough for her. She wasn’t interested in reason or facts as she was high on feeling the emotional ties of the relationship. She spent many sleepless nights meditating on their possible relationship. She had fallen for a guy who wasn’t available. It was a one-sided relationship that didn’t go anywhere. She said she was following her heart! She followed him all the way from Georgia to California before she got a wakeup call! He introduced her to his real girlfriend in California! Ouch! That was a major crash and burn moment for her! Think about how much time and energy she had wasted in never never land! Look again at God’s perspective When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
The golden nugget is who you choose in life to follow!
That was beautiful, Babs. So true and reflective. Reminds me that I always needs to keep my eyes focused in the right direction and that in on our Lord Jesus Christ. He is an awesome God and Loves us so much. God has truly blessed you and thru Him you inspire others.
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