Image shows a woman standing under a heavenly light, I'm a desert, in a long flowing robe. Woven into the chest of the robe are the words "I am His." Broken chains that read "tradition", "obligation" and "controls lay broken on the ground around her. People in the background making demands, but she belongs to God, not them.
There’s a quiet tyranny that creeps into families, relationships, and traditions. It doesn’t wear a crown or shout commands—but it whispers expectations. It says:
“You’re mine.”
“You owe me your choices.”
“You exist to reflect me.”
And suddenly, your life becomes a mirror for someone else’s comfort, someone else’s pride, someone else’s fears.
But let’s be clear: we are not here to live someone else’s life.
We are not here to carry the weight of their preferences, prejudices, or projections. We are here to walk in purpose—God’s purpose.
"And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?"
— Matthew 15:3
The Myth of Ownership
Even those closest to us—parents, spouses, siblings—can fall into the trap of believing they own us.
They want us to love who they love.
Hate who they hate.
Choose what they would choose.
Avoid what makes them uncomfortable.
But when it comes to our well-being? Our calling? Our divine assignment?
Suddenly, it’s negotiable.
Suddenly, it’s inconvenient.
They’ll say, “Don’t marry that person.”
“Don’t pursue that career.”
“Don’t speak that truth.”
Not because it dishonors God—but because it disrupts them.
They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!
— Mark 7:7-9 (NIV)
God’s Will vs. Man’s Control
Let’s be real: God never gave anyone the authority to override His will.
He gave us free will—not so we could serve man’s ego, but so we could choose Him freely.
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is made up only of rules taught by men.” — Isaiah 29:13
Rules taught by men.
Not God.
Not truth.
Just control dressed up as tradition.
Even Moses married a Cushite, or Ethiopian woman—and when his siblings got mad, and spoke against Moses, and questioned God's reasoning for appointing Moses as the leader, God punished them.
Why? Because their offense wasn’t against Moses—it was against God’s sovereignty.
You can read all about that in Numbers 12.
So, if your daughter marries someone you don't like, but it doesn’t go against God’s Word?
Sit down.
If your son chooses a path that honors God but not your legacy?
Sit down.
If your friend follows a calling that doesn’t fit your comfort zone?
Sit down.
Don't stand up against them, sit down, and RELAX!
God's got this.
He knows the path we're ALL taking. It's the path He has paved for us, with gold, not the path Joe Bob Blow paved with dirt and potholes.
We Live for God Alone
We are not here to please any man or woman.
We are not here to uphold ancestral ideals that contradict divine truth.
We are not here to be puppets in someone else’s performance.
We are here to please God—and only God.
So if He tells me,
“This is the person I’ve chosen for you,”
“This is the path I’ve carved for you,”
“This is the truth I’ve placed in your mouth,”
Then I will walk it.
Speak it.
Live it.
Even if it makes others uncomfortable.
Even if it breaks their mold.
Even if it costs their approval.
Because I am not yours.
I am His.
Journal Prompts:
Reclaiming Your Life for God
1. “Whose voice have I been obeying?”
Write down the names or influences that have shaped your decisions. Then ask: Do these voices align with God’s Word or just human expectations?
2. “What does freedom in Christ look like for me?”
Describe a life where you are fully surrendered to God’s will—not man’s approval. What changes? What stays? What blooms?
3. “When have I felt punished for choosing myself?”
Reflect on a time you followed your God-given path and faced backlash. How did it feel? How did God affirm you in that moment?
4. “What lies have I believed about obedience?”
List any beliefs that equate obedience with people-pleasing. Then counter each one with scripture or truth that sets you free.
5. “What does God say about my worth?”
Write a letter from God to you, reminding you that you are His masterpiece—not anyone else’s project.
Art Prompts:
Visualizing Divine Ownership
1. “The Unchained Heart”
Create an image of a heart breaking free from chains labeled with words like “guilt,” “expectation,” “tradition,” “fear.” Let light pour in from above.
2. “God’s Signature”
Design a piece that shows your life as a canvas signed by God—not by family, culture, or society. Use bold strokes, divine symbols, and affirming colors.
3. “Sit Down.”
Illustrate a scene where human voices are seated—quieted—while God’s voice rises above. This could be abstract (like sound waves and shadows) or literal (a courtroom of opinions silenced by truth).
4. “Free Will, Holy Path”
Draw a winding path with forks and choices, but show God’s light guiding one clear direction. Include symbols of courage, scripture, and spiritual armor.
5. “I Am Not Yours”
Create a self-portrait or silhouette surrounded by phrases people have tried to impose on you. Then overlay it with God’s affirmations: Chosen. Free. Beloved. Called.
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