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James 1:19-21 and Ephesians 4:22-32 * Typically, we measure our progress toward wholeness by our participation in such disciplines as prayer, study of the word and a host of other religious activities. What it has done has allowed us (in essence) to compartmentalize our lives, or at the very least, fail to address our emotional well-being (which seems less than spiritual). * We have to admit that the emotional health of homes in America is at an all-time low. And while we would be willing to concede that, none of us would ourselves as “angry”… that sounds so crude, so base. * Interestingly, in Matthew 5-7, Jesus identifies anger as the trigger for all types of disorder in our lives; and, he speaks about it in the context of “kingdoms”- in my kingdom, everyone does what I want; everything goes the way I want it. * We should be reminded that God’s intention for seeking and restoring a wayward (lost) and broken humanity was “wholeness”; therefore, the gospel cannot be good news if our sins are forgiven, but the rest of my life remains unaffected (forgiveness of your sins is only part of the message). But, the effects of our relationship with Jesus are not immediately recognizable (transformation, by nature, is a process). * Following God does mean that you’ll never have to fake it! You’ll never be required to masquerade as a happy, joy-filled Christian while secretly harboring bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness and anger (that’s an unhealthy disconnect). * But, James indicates, in no uncertain terms, that it is an expectation of Christianity (your identification with Jesus) that you allow God to transform this aspect of your life. Grace, by definition, implies change. Grace is not only described as God’s movement toward us, but God’s interaction in and with us. * No matter what your faith history, your church had certain expectations. Our church expected God’s activity in our lives to help us stop cursing, smoking, partaking of barley-laden and fermented beverages and playing bingo. But, we often don’t expect our faith to address such issues as anger, gossip, and bitterness. What I am saying is that we have somehow accepted that you can be a Christian and still be cynical, bitter, contentious, judgmental and angry. * James is writing to a group of people whose adverse conditions have provided plenty of opportunity for reaching the wrong conclusions and responding in an unhealthy manner (wrong conclusions about God, resentment toward God and others, favoritism, etc.) * James suggests that challenging life-circumstances always seems to make us “quick to speak, unwilling to listen and ticked off!” Following the context… Faced with challenging life-circumstances, rather than asking for “wisdom”, we quickly reach premature conclusions based on our limited knowledge of the situation; we protest (blaming God and failing to see the evil within me) and lose perspective. Because of my loss of perspective, I fail to see beyond the circumstances to a larger purpose, my own assessment of the situation is flawed and I get “angry”. All I know is that at this point, life hasn’t worked out the way that I had planned, my anger promotes all kinds of damaging thought-patterns and I start the verbal assault (on God and others who I deem responsible or involved). “Slow to listen…” Reasons why we make lousy judges: 1. Our conclusions are premature and based solely on circumstantial evidence. 2. We don’t have all the facts (“quick to listen” means that you may need more information before you respond). 3. We’re so gullible. 4. We’re partial by nature (our decisions are always fueled by “What’s in it for me”) 5. The rules are always changing (to accommodate our weakness and assist us) 6. The punishment never fits the crime 7. Mercy is usually optional. * So, when considering how we will respond to either present or past hurts/offenses, we’re really only left with (1) of (2) options: RESTORATION- “getting on” with life. RETALIATION- “getting back” at the offending party. Anger… - Is a normal human emotion; a natural reaction to violations of our rights and personal comforts. It immediately postures us “against” something. - Is “directional”; it has to be aimed at something. - Not always negative; it allows us to respond appropriately to injustice and work for the good (constructive). It’s not, in and of itself, sin. Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger, do not sin”. - Helps you identify your convictions and demonstrates either a heart that is being shaped like God’s, or one that is yet to beat in rhythm with his. - Is a signal to our hearts that something’s wrong; something needs to be put right.
(continued on 12-17-06) |
