The Let Them Theory
and a Christian Response
I’ve watched/read/listened to Mel Robbins for a while now. She has a law degree, is a best-selling author, and delivers great wisdom with a bit of humor, which I really enjoy. Her newest book, “The Let Them Theory” went viral. More and more, I’ve seen Christians adopting the idea of “let them” into their way of life. As I listen and watch the implications of this way of thinking, I see some glaring issues with this mentality and practicing the ways of Christ.
Albeit, there are aspects of her “let them” message that I really agree with. We’re encouraged to stop trying to control others and focus on what we can control. This is similar to the Serenity Prayer, when people worldwide ask that God would give us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change. It is a powerful day when we face the reality that we cannot control other people, and honestly, we are much more content when we don’t try.
However, there is a time when as Christians, we very much should intervene in people’s lives. To put it directly, how do you feel when I make this statement?
“If your family member wants to die and go to hell… let them!”
Ouch.
“If your child wants to isolate and suffer alone… let them!”
YIKES!
As believers, there are certain issues in which we are asked to be compelled by love and moved to action. Our job is not to control, but compassion does move us to pray, share, guide, and to demonstrate the love of Jesus.
There are many circumstances in which I think we could learn a lot by just letting people be free to live their lives, and there are plenty of moments when the most loving thing I can do as a follower of Christ is to speak up and not just “let them.”
As the Serenity Prayer finishes:
God give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
I pray that as believers learn to release control, we also have the wisdom and discernment to know when it is our Christlike duty to intervene.