Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11 NLT
Thoughts for Today
What causes anger? In reality, the answer could be “nothing.” We might think that a rude driver or unfair criticism or a friend’s betrayal angers us, but the anger is actually our own doing. It’s our response that creates the anger.
Many factors can stimulate anger. Behavior we learned in childhood, a stressful work environment, poor health or medicines we take can cause our temper to flare more easily - but only if we allow them to.
Consider this…
When someone insults us or treats us badly, we can choose how to respond. If we have feelings of anger, we can choose how to express that anger. God has given us free will to control our feelings, thoughts and actions. Will we choose unkind words or finding a way to “get even” - or will we overlook and forgive. It’s our choice. No matter what our background or the current circumstances, we are responsible for our own behavior.
None of us express our feelings appropriately all the time. But the Bible tells us, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13 NLT) Jesus can help us make anger our servant instead of our master.
Prayer…
Father, when I am wronged in some way, help me to choose the right response - the one that is pleasing to you. Teach me to overlook and forgive. In Jesus’ name …
by Larry Heath
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joyawaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (New Living Translation)
Throughout a grueling 26.2-mile marathon, a runner’s body goes through changes. He must fight the inclination to run too fast early in the race. He must overcome muscle cramps and blisters. He must ignore the whispering voice mid-way through the race that says, “You’ve already done a great job. Everyone is impressed that you even got this far. Why don’t you just quit now?”
With every step, the runner reaffirms his decision to keep going and move closer to the finish line. His eye is on the goal. He will not be distracted or denied. This is endurance.
To endure doesn’t mean to sit back, take it easy, or look for a way out. Endurance also doesn’t mean casually accepting a setback and quitting the race early. Instead, it implies “staying power.” This involves the initiative to do whatever it takes to win. It involves pushing through obstacles and overcoming hindrances, one step at a time, as you keep moving. Endurance means you won’t quit until you have achieved victory.
We should keep this image in mind as we read the challenge in Hebrews 12:1:”lay aside every encumbrance . . . [and] run with endurance the race that is set before us.” One who endures says, “Whatever it takes, Lord, I’m going to get there. I will not give up. I will not step off Your path until You’ve brought me to the finish line.”
Do you believe the goals God’s given you are worth the effort? Then run toward them with endurance.
Ephesians 4:3
Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
I really don’t mind taking a stand on biblical grounds and living with the conflict that comes from those who oppose the gospel. I think that is part of our calling. What grieves God is when our ministry and work is stopped because well-intentioned people resist the inevitable and needlessly fight change.
I tell my students that the greatest asset they will have in their early years of ministry is older, mature saints in the church. The greatest liability they will have is old saints who have stopped growing years ago. All these saints do is censor. They reflect no more love or kindness now than they did 20 years ago. They don’t worship–they critique the worship service. They no longer sit under the judgment of Scripture–they sit in judgment of the pastor. They no longer bear fruit–they actually prevent it. They insist that they are right when what they need to be is holy.
Mature saints have learned to restrict their freedom for the sake of weaker believers. Their faith doesn’t rest in traditions, so they gladly accept changes in style of ministry that will reach the younger generation.
Another problem arises when young Christian leaders act impulsively as change agents without giving thought to what the consequences will be to the fellowship. Any movement forward that results in the loss of fellowship is not an improvement. We must be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit. Such change agents seem to be unaware that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. The modern generation wants it now. They seem to have forgotten the fact that God does everything decently and in order. He is not the author of confusion.
Prayer:
Father, please don’t allow me to sit, soak and sour, but to remain open-minded, lighthearted and nonjudgmental.
by Neil Anderson
