Anger is a destructive force in our lives (James 1:20)

SCRIPTURE: James 1:20 (TM)

God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger.

STORY:

The 18th-century British physician John Hunter, who was a pioneer in the field of surgery and served as surgeon to King George III, suffered from angina. Discovering that his attacks were often brought on by anger, Hunter lamented, "My life is at the mercy of any scoundrel who chooses to put me in a passion." These words proved prophetic, for at a meeting of the board of St. George's Hospital in London, Hunter got into a heated argument with other board members, walked out, and dropped dead in the next room. 

OBSERVATION:

The verdict came in on George Zimmerman. The nation held its breath. Some rejoiced at the “Not Guilty” while others became angry. Anger is a negative emotion to a situation. It is a destructive force that takes its toll on the human heart and diminishes the spirit.

It didn’t matter if the verdict had been “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” there were those who were ready to get angry. They didn’t need an excuse; they were simply looking for an opportunity. The trigger was pulled, the hammer came down, and they were off and running with their anger.

Anger reduces a person to their lowest level of existence. Anger is allowing ones emotions to take control and the person loses control. Anger denies everything divine that is built into our spiritual DNA.

The media does their job in reporting the riots (fueled by the anger) and protests. The question that is never really addressed is, why… why are there men and women so ready to lose control of themselves… why are there people living on the edge of destruction… why is a mean spirit so evident in any situation… why is violence viewed by some as an appropriate response to something they disagree with…

And then the more constructive questions start coming as to what are we, followers of Christ, doing about it? How can we change the course of human destruction? The time for our action is not when a verdict comes down, but in the weeks and months and years before such verdicts are read. What are we going to do in preparation for the next Treyvon Martin/George Zimmerman situation? And why is it still difficult for a black youth to simply walk down the street at night in any community? Or, Eric Holder, Attorney General of the United States, jogging to a meeting without being stopped by police simply because he was a black man running in an upscale community?

We still have a lot of work to do before anger breaks forth again.

PRAYER:

We need guidance Lord. We need help. We need understanding. We need patience. We need racial barriers to come down.