Locus of Control.

It’s a psychological term described by Psychology Today as an individual’s belief system regarding the causes of his or her experiences and the factors to which that person attributes success or failure.

Some people have an internal locus of control, whereas others have an external locus of control. Some people have both, depending upon the issue.

For example, a person may believe it is up to them to schedule regular physical assessment check-ups with their medical 🏥 provider, yet realize if they are suddently diagnosed with stage 4 advanced genetically-associated cancer, that is not within their control (especially if they had a healthy lifestyle).

The Serenity Prayer is a great example of this idea of internal and external locus of control in life:

Courtesy of BAMM Graphics

While on this 🌏 earth, there are things we can control and things we cannot. Biblical scripture also describes this principle, though some debate whether or not humans have any control over their lives at all.

For instance, Adam and Eve had the choice to eat of the forbidden 🍐 fruit. The two demonstrated their internal locus of control by choosing to eat of the fruit. They chose their future, including the consequences.

On the other hand, when ✝ Christ was sacrificed for all humankind, this sacrifice was determined by God to wash us of our sins forever. God was ultimately in charge of this event. He had a purpose in mind for Christ’s death.

I have found that God expects me to do what I can, given what I know and which resources I have. Besides all of that, I know my future is within His hands. It is up to me to trust in Him, no matter my emotions.

This can be challenging during times of immense 😭 despair. I often remind myself of the Serenity 🙏 Prayer during such occasions. 

I personally believe Christians have a shared locus of control (internal and external), given by God. I do not believe fatalism is a good driver of outcomes (fatalism is defined per Oxford Dictionary as the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable).

Do you primarily rely on others, including God to bring you success? or do you rely on yourself? Maybe you rely on both? Comment ⬇️ below!