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I’m Not Angry – Why Did You Ask Me If I Was Angry?The teachings of Jesus were so radical, that if we were to follow them it would turn our lives upside down. Jesus rebelled against the powerful people of His day. The Pharisees were concerned with how they looked, how they were perceived. And radical Jesus told them to look on the inside. You have heard that the law of Moses says, “Do not commit murder. Here, to the experts of the law, Jesus quotes a commandment of Moses – the most sacredly held set of rules in that society. Then, He says “But I say….” (I say more than what the commandment says!) He’s raising the bar on one of the ten commandments! That’s radical! I can’t sing or play an instrument. I love to listen to music, but I can’t make music. When I was young I took trombone lessons for years – practiced every day. I could play the notes of a song precisely. - but it wasn’t music. I couldn’t feel it or sense it, or know by intuition what the next note would be. I think that’s what Jesus is talking about here. He’s telling the Pharisees “you know all the commandments, but you don’t understand what it’s all about, you’re not sensing God’s Spirit.” Unlike the gift of music, Jesus promised everyone the gift of life and His Spirit. We all have been damaged by anger, whether as a presenter or a receiver. Anger that destroys others, destroys us - no one wins. We can’t put it out of our lives, but we can tame it. How? Name it so we can move forward and grow and change. There are two ways that anger is expressed: Exploding one knows when an eruption will take place. This anger can disguise itself as cynicism, bitterness or depression. Delay it so we don’t damage others. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent. It’s not just about words. Know the expression “if looks could kill”? Well, they can. They kill children, adults, and friends every day. How can we delay anger? It’s a matter of having an active relationship with God. If we keep God involved in our lives, we can sense when we’re getting off the path and make corrections. (The video “Rhythm” by Rob Bell was played) thousands of years, all around us, all the time. How Jesus lived is the song of God played out on the earth. The question is whether we’re in tune with the music. When we are selfish, unloving or angry we’re out of tune. When we see people caring for others it’s inspiring– because they’re in tune with the music of God, able to sense where the song will go. I can give you all kinds of ways to overcome anger. But there’s nothing better than to make it your goal to be in tune with God. Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, Take a long, loving look at God; refresh your perspective; see that there’s nothing worth holding on to if it keeps you from being in tune with Him. Learn from it so we don’t continue to damage others and live a destructive life. In your anger do not sin; Living life to the fullest – hearing the song of God.
Application Thoughts: Do you recognize anger in your life? |
