I went to a private school throughout high school and college. One thing that I rarely saw was a fist fight. Sure we might joke around, ball up our fist and pretend to swing, but nothing ever happened passed that. I most assuredly was not going to get into a fight. It took a lot for me to get angry. And even more for me to express it. I was terrified of the consequences of winning and the embarrassment of losing.
Well, elementary school is over. High School is a distant memory. College feels like a dream. And after making it through those critical milestones, it is not until today that I want to ball my fist. I am angry. I am disappointed. I am tired.
Why?
Over the past week, I have seen people claim to be Christians with their mouths and not their actions. They have made statements “based on Christianity” that hold no Biblical roots. They have acted on behalf of a Savior whom they do not know. Turning away refugees is not Christ-like. Attacking others verbally and physically based on ethnicity is not Christ-like. Persecuting others because of a difference of religious beliefs is not Christ-like. Advocating sexism is not Christ-like. Vetting non-Christians is not Christ-like.
I see an ignorant tweet and my frustration emerges. I see discrimination and my muscles tighten. I experience oppression and my anger rages. It’s even more disheartening to see this activity come from “Christians.”
But in my anger, am I displaying Christ-like behavior? Am I any better than they are? If you can’t amen, just say ouch. (OUCH) It’s a hard question to ask myself. Anger itself is not a sin. However, the expression of anger can be sin. The expression of anger can detour from Christ-like behavior.
James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
What good work can your hand produce if your hand is closed?
In these moments, I find that I need God more than ever to fulfill His desires. My desires are gratified with a closed fist and an angry heart. His desires are satisfied with an open hand and an open heart.
Here are some verses to meditate on:
Colossians 3:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Proverbs 15:18 New International Version (NIV)
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 14:29 New International Version (NIV)
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Turning away from anger does not leave you enable to act. It allows you to move forward in the righteousness of God. We have work to do. We cannot sit back and be silent. We cannot lead riots full of hatred and violence. Action is not posting a long status on Facebook. Action is not just deleting an app from your phone. Prayer is action. ask for wisdom and discernment. Calling and writing your local and national government authorities is action. Having fruitful conversations with diverse perspectives is action. Don’t act from a place of anger.
My prayer: So God, I ask that you stretch my hand and stir my heart toward love and peace that I may continue to produce the righteousness that you desire. Amen.
Unfortunately, I do not believe this tee is available for purchase any longer. But isn’t funny?
