SELF-CONTROL: A HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCT

SELF-CONTROL: A HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCT

 There is no upside whatsoever in wallowing in the throes of pointless anger.  However, sometimes anger is justifiable.  For example, when Jesus became distressed over the sinful money-exchanging practices that were practiced regularly in The Temple, he overturned the tables of those ‘church thieves’ and expelled them. (Mark 11:15-17)  And undoubtedly, believers reserve the right to become angry over social injustices or societal sins.  Indeed, the scriptures do allow us to experience anger, but they require that we “sin not” whenever we become emotionally distraught. (Ephesians 4:26)

 Self-control (a.k.a. “temperance”) is one of the life-changing “fruit of the Spirit” outlined in Galatians 5:22-24.  A consistent prayer life, coupled with Word study and meditation, enables Spirit-filled believers to become sensitive to the Father’s will during any upsetting moment in time.

 Never allow anger to control you.  Rather, allow it to become a productive agent to display divine order.  In my youth, during an NBA playoff game between the Knicks and the Bullets, one of the Bullets came up from behind the legendary Walt Frazier and punched him in the face.  Strangely, the referee called a personal foul on Frazier, who make a deliberate decision to avoid complaining and just focus on the game.  Neither his facial expression or attitude changed.  Frazier simply went to work and put in seven straight shots to win the game.  It was an amazing display of productive anger.

 So if you become angry about something, never allow it to possess you, i.e. to control your attitude, harm your health, or impact your future.  Think.  Pray.  If possible, resolve the issue.  Then move on.  It may not feel very comfortable for us to consider God’s perspective on our anger issues, but here it is:  “Anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)  I know that’s not who we are!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!