on Anger

Let's face it we live in an angry world. Our world is filled with much noise, shouting, bullying, and at many times it even seems down right chaotic. The sad truth is our world is very angry and at the moment uncompromising or willing to change. For followers of Jesus this can be very tricky and difficult, because many people in our families, neighborhoods, churches, and schools fall at many different places on the political spectrum and many people readily accept labels for themselves such as conservative, liberal, moderate, etc, but they readily reject those who have different beliefs. The sad reality is this problem is this problem is not going away, but we can do something about it. Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.

1) Always be willing to listen. James 1:19 says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
One great step you can take toward bringing about the Kingdom of God on this earth is to become a better listener. Learn not just to stop talking but also really focus on what the other person is saying. One very important truth is you don't always have to agree with them, but as a common courtesy and as a gesture of kindness you should listen to them. My mother would always tell me, "Brian, you have two ears and only one mouth. You should listen twice as much as you talk."

The same is true about our relationship with God. How many times do we dominate the conversation in our prayers and even during worship? Begin praying more often that the Holy Spirit would speak to you and you'd have the humility to listen.

2) Share your story first, then your ideas second. Acts 22:1-22. . .
We live in a society where people share their ideas and beliefs all the time! Even if you don't want to hear them, people are still telling you who to vote for, what to support, who's a racist, who's a crook, who's right, and who is wrong. This sharing does have value, but it often leaves very little room for the Holy Spirit to work. Many people have their minds made up on key beliefs and ideas at this point. However, your story of how God is working in your life has immense value, learn to share it. Learn to post things on social media that don't degrade other people but rather lift God up. Learn to pray for those who you disagree with, and above all don't be silent on your story. God should and needs to be working in your life, and in a world that is filled with anger, hurt, and confusion people need to be drawn to the goodness of God.

3) Don't be content just with what you know. . . Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine according to the power that is at work within us. . ." Don't just settle or be satisfied to hear what you know in worship, study, meditation, or in conversation. Seek to learn more about God, seek to grow in your faith, seek to serve more than you seek to complain, and above all never stop learning. Our Christian walk is a marathon. God is ready to take you deeper every step of the way, but never stop learning about who God is. Make Sunday school, worship, service, and Bible study a priority in your life. You'll be amazed at how your anger at things that don't matter seems to cool when this happens.

A conversation for you to have with your loved ones: "What should we as followers of Jesus Christ be angry about?"