Bad Fruit: Control
Control feels responsible. You plan ahead, anticipate outcomes, protect against risk. But beneath this is a fear: “If I let go, disaster will strike.”
At its root, control is not care but idolatry — the belief that safety is found in your vigilance, not God’s faithfulness.
The Lie Vine
Lie: “I am safe only if I am in control.”
If I don’t manage this, it will fall apart.”
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“My vigilance protects me more than His care.
The Counterfeit Tree: Safety Idolatry
Anatomy of this tree
Walk through the core parts of this tree, following the fruit - what you are seeing - to the root lie. Expand each section for a short explanation and reflection prompts.
Fruit — Visible outcomes
- Exhaustion
- Strained relationships
- Lack of trust
- Constant tension
Leaves — Everyday actions
- Over-scheduling
- Rigid routines
- Difficulty delegating
Branches — Reinforcing patterns
- Micromanagement
- Perfectionism
- Fear of letting go
Trunk — False belief
Control becomes salvation
Root — Core lie
Safety depends on me.
Invitation
Control promises safety but delivers slavery. There is another way — one where surrender becomes freedom.
Step into the Surrender Tree
See how letting go of control and resting in God’s sovereignty produces peace and resilience.
See the Good TreeThe True Tree: Surrender-Based Identity
Surrender is not giving up — it is handing over. It is living as though God’s sovereignty is real, not just recited.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Anatomy of this tree
Walk through the core parts of this tree, starting with the root of truth and tracing it to the fruit it produces. Expand each section for reflection prompts and Scripture to anchor the truth.
Root — Core biblical truth
God is sovereign and trustworthy.
Trunk — Foundational belief
Surrender becomes security
Branches — Reinforcing patterns
- Prayer
- Sabbath
- Trusting others
Leaves — Everyday actions
- Letting someone else lead
- Choosing rest over work
- Saying 'I don’t know'
Fruit — Visible outcomes
- Peace
- Freedom
- Dependable relationships
- Joy
New Fruit
| Old Fruit | New Fruit |
|---|---|
| Exhaustion | Peace |
| Control | Freedom |
| Strain | Dependable relationships |
| Tension | Joy |