A FOOL’S WRATH HILLSIDE HELPS- “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.” (Proverbs 27:3) Anger comes from a heart that is filled with pride and self-centeredness. When prideful people don’t get their way they retaliate with foolish actions. Teenagers that are rightly instructed by parents regarding curfew times, hurtful habits, or ill advised associations often respond with angry and disrespectful words. Drivers demonstrate pride when they pass other vehicles in dangerous places, but become angry if another driver takes the same action. Shoppers become angry because customer service people are hard to find or items have been moved or sold out. Waiting in long lines at checkout time gives a clear demonstration of pride and anger. If in doubt, just listen to the comments people make while they are forced to wait. Some excuse their anger by making this statement, “Well, I just lost my temper.” The real explanation is they FOUND their temper and displayed their anger. What drives this? Where does this wrath come from? It is from the sinful nature that abides deep in each of us. People lose their cool because that is a normal reaction when one does not get their way; which is a demonstration of personal and sinful pride. The Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit and therefore must be continuously under the influence and control of the Spirit in order to have victory over anger and wrath. God has given us a means to overcome the flesh; unfortunately too often we give into the flesh and fail miserably. All too often fits of rage create separations that result in broken relationships, divorces, or broken homes. The foolish action weighs heavier than a large stone or bag of sand. When one’s anger goes unchecked, the devil seems to always involve other angry people. This rage builds up and is fed on by more and more involved and the results can be devastating. The Bible tells us, “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” (Prov. 29:22) Individual anger is seldom limited to just one person. Many times it is escalated to involve others in the family, co-workers, or even church members. When the flame is lit and fueled by the devil many hurts will come affecting everyone. The end result can be immediate destruction or permanent divisions. Only God understands the breaches caused by uncontrollable anger and harshly spoken words. The proper response in dealing with anger is to walk in the Spirit. In order to do this, we must begin by emptying ourselves of any sinful pride that has taken root in our heart. We must confess this sin and ask the Lord to forgive and cleanse us. Then we must yield ourselves to the Spirit, asking the Lord to guide our steps moment by moment. Then the fruit of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23) will fill our hearts and lives. (Bro. Jerry McNeer) PLEASE SHARE
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:10:37 +0000
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