"I need to take control of all our finances because clearly they can't handle money responsibly."
How it sounds in your head: You're the financially literate one. You understand investing, budgeting, planning. They're clueless. If you don't take over, you'll both end up broke. It's not controlling—it's protective.
"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
-- Matthew 23:11-12Source: religion—older brother self-righteousness that uses 'responsibility' to mask control and superiority.
You DO understand money better and they HAVE made mistakes. Taking control feels like wisdom and every financial advisor talks about having one person manage the details.
Jesus knew Judas would betray Him that very night for money. He could have exposed him, controlled him, excluded him. Instead, He knelt down and washed his FEET—served the one who was financially betraying Him. Greatness serves weakness; it doesn't control it.
I REFUSE the lie that I must control our finances because my spouse is incompetent. IT IS WRITTEN that the greatest among us is the SERVANT—I'm called to serve their growth, not control their weakness. IT IS WRITTEN in John 13 that Jesus washed the feet of Judas who was betraying Him financially. I am Abraham's seed and heir of the BARAK—the blessing that taught ISAAC to dig wells instead of fight over them, that made JOSEPH serve brothers who'd betrayed him. My financial knowledge is meant to EQUIP, not dominate. I release control and receive the posture of servant-leadership that empowers instead of diminishes.
The Father isn't looking for your superior financial management—He's looking for the heart of Christ that kneels to wash feet, not stands to take control. He's running toward your control issues with the towel of servanthood, not the trophy of being right.