What makes you tick? By Greg Ebie A time bomb is ticking toward zero. Tension fills the air. What will happen next? Will the bomb bring destruction as it explodes, or will it be defused before it is too late? The answer to that question depends upon the words you speak. This is not a time bomb filled with explosives or TNT. It is the ticking time bomb of anger, which if detonated can bring just as much destruction as if a bomb had literally exploded. Yet we have the power to defuse the bomb before it is too late. “A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire” (Proverbs 15:1, The Message). Anger is an emotional response to the circumstances we face. It is not necessarily evil. Anger is a God-given emotion. We are created in the image of God, and (this may surprise you) God gets angry too. Sin comes when we misappropriate the emotional energy and zeal that anger gives us. Through the choices we make we can either use anger for good or for evil. What will we say and what will we do to those with whom we are angry? Proverbs 29:11 says, “A fool gives full vent to his anger” (NIV). The fool will just explode. However, those who are wise will remain under control. Remember the old saying, “Count to 10 before you speak”? Giving ourselves time before we speak or act is one way to maintain self-control when we are angry. Have you ever tried to argue with a whisper? When we are angry the volume often increases. But a gentle answer defuses anger. The right response in a moment of anger not only keeps us from exploding with destructive sin, but a calm response also has the power to cool the hot temper in others as well. Perhaps today you will find yourself in a potentially destructive situation. Measure your words and remain calm. Don’t let anger get the best of you. When you count to 10, pray! God will help you control your anger and react with His wisdom.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015