Who wins in the end? (answer below)

Our packed schedules, limited resources, and uncertainty about so many things create high levels of desperation. Desperate people are prone to slide from fear into anger because these two emotions live next door to one another in us. Everywhere I turn, I run into angry people. Yes, I often find myself angry these days. Last night I watched angry candidates on a debate. At times I wondered if Romney and Perry might take a swing at each other! Drive for 30 minutes a little more slowly than the rest of the traffic and listen for honks from furious drivers. Mistakenly step into the check-out line in front of someone and prepare yourself for a rude rebuke. Start chatting over the break table at work and soon you will hear angry words: at spouses, kids, bosses - come tumbling out.

All of this anger is a spiritual poison that destroys civil discourse and ruins human relationships. God’s wisdom warns about letting anger take over our lives. Take a long look at these passages:

·         "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. " (Proverbs 16:32, NKJV) 

       

"     "People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs." (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)

·         "Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes." (Proverbs 14:29, NLT)

The New Testament speaks directly to the Christ’s followers about anger. We’re told, “don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT) Out of control anger is a spiritual issue.

Anger, in itself, is not a sinful emotion. It is a powerful motivator for change - in ourselves, in our family, in our world. When we see a child being abused, a wife being misused, a person being treated wrongly, a social system exploiting or oppressing people -- anger is a legitimate response. The absence of anger in these kinds of situations is an indicator of apathy. Jesus Christ was angered by the oppression that the religious leadership pressed on the people in God's name! The OT prophets passionately declared God's anger with those who were oppressing the poor and/or the weak.

Here’s what we need to understand. The powerful surge of adrenaline brought on by the release of anger is addictive! We nicknamed anger 'getting mad' because when we are raging we often appear to be temporarily insane! As the anger builds in us, fed by our willingness to nurse our rage, we move away from rationale and responsibility. In anger, a father is capable of beating a child; a man of killing his wife; a friend of destroying a relationship with his oldest companion. That is why the Word says “keep a leash on anger!”  We must secure ourselves in the Spirit, which reduces our fear and allows us to exercise control over this powerful emotion.  Use anger sparingly. It can become a habitual way of life. Ask yourself, “Why am I so ready to take offense? Why do I personalize each and every situation and turn it into issue of respect and/or dignity?”  

The real cure for rage is a profound experience of God's love. When we are loved powerfully, we need no longer rise quickly to anger in self-defense. God gives us a largeness of spirit that makes anger over petty issues unthinkable. Even as I write these words, my face burns with shame as I remember how quickly and often I have risen to anger over inconsequential matters, disgracing the Name of my gentle Lord. Resolve TODAY, to start to change.

How do we conquer rage?

1.    We start with confession of our addiction to anger and name as sin! No justifications and/or excuses allowed. Don't blame your heritage, your spouse, or your life situation. Only a fool says, "They make me so mad!" Nobody makes anybody mad. We choose to be angry! When you give vent to rage and/or wrath, confess it to God and to the one against whom you have raged. Accept forgiveness from Him.

2.     Then, we possess the truth of God’s amazing love and pray for a deep revelation of the depth of it for ourselves.  Want to really know God’s love? The paradox is that His love is better known when we are broken than when we are blessed.  We are most open to God's love when we are out of options, beyond self-help, shattered by life. It is then we are prepared to accept the wonderful love of God that heals us from the inside out.

Here’s the word from the Word. As you head off to an angry world, pray with me that the Spirit will make this a life principle.

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
(Psalm 37:8-11, NKJV)   Amen