Faith is not subject to human control

"Faith should be completely free of any bondage to men. We should note well who it is that says this, for, if ever any mortal man had a right to claim such lordship, Paul was he. Thus we conclude that faith should have no master but the Word of God and is not subject to human control. ... spiritual lordship belongs to none but God alone. This is always a settled principle--that pastors have no special lordship over men's consciences because they are ministers and helpers and not lords."

John Calvin, comments on 2 Cor 1:24. The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians.

A privileged and charmed life

It took me over 5 decades of life to realize that I've lived a privileged and charmed life my entire life to this very day.

I've never been hungry (except when I'm trying to eat less to lose weight). I've never been in financial need (even after making some stupid and very costly financial decisions). I've never been physically assaulted or sexually abused. I became a doctor. I'm generally healthy and do not take any medications. My parents loved me unconditionally and I have no negative memories of them whatsoever. Virtually everyone I know is not poor, not struggling financially, or living below the poverty line (including almost everyone in church). I've belonged to the same church community for over 40 years. My wife has put up with me for the last 40 years of marriage and counting.

In brief, I've not been wounded by life. So the question I personally need to ponder daily for the rest of my life is, "What do I do with a life where I've not suffered any major or serious mental, psychological or physical wounds?"