When The Red Mist Descends
All seems well when we are winning the world for Jesus, through our preaching, sermons and seminars, as we inform others how to live the Christian life. But there is a very familiar fly in the ointment which affects us all, even as church leaders —the problem of anger. The descent of the ‘red mist’ is something that affects each one of us from time to time, thankfully it is God’s desire to help us with this. I recoil when I hear it being said of a Believer who constantly strikes out in anger that, they just can’t help it, or, it is just their nature or personality. It could almost make me angry, (lol).
The Bible says: “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.” (James 1:19-20). One definition states that ‘anger is an emotion characterised by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong’. On my recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease it would have been easy to strike out at God or those closest to me. If allowed, anger can cause significant damage not only in your own life, but in the lives of those around you. As the saying goes, “Anger is one letter short of danger,” and can become a huge stumbling block because it opens up a doorway to so many other issues.
It’s well known that both physical and emotional problems can be be rooted in unresolved anger, including; headaches, stomach disorders, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart disease etc. Relational issues can also be caused by anger, such as loss of marriage, of family, of friends, etc, as well as other major problems like harm to others, losing a job, lawsuits, damage to property, and can even lead to murder. You’ve heard it said, “Either learn to control your anger or it will control you.” (Proverbs 29:22}, says: “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” It’s clear to see that anger is an actual physical response.
Translated from a Jewish phrase that means “owner of the heat,” that “hot tempered person” speaks of the hot flush you often feel rising through your body during periods of anger. Similar to the warning light in your car, it is God’s signal to you that something is wrong and a symptom of the real problem.
It may be good to be reminded of three habitual triggers that can set off our anger: hurt, Eg Cain (Genesis 4:5-6), frustration, Eg Naaman (2 Kings 5:11-12), and fear, Eg king Saul (1 Samuel 18:7-2).
Evidently, God does not sin, and so anger is not sinful in and of itself. In fact, we read a hundred times over of God’s anger in the bible. (Psalm. 7:11),says “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” Other examples are seen in Moses, (Exodus 32:19) David, (1 Samuel 17:46) and Jesus, (Mark 3:5, 10:14, 11:15-17).
As I stated at the outset, (James 1:19), no matter what the situation, you have a choice to respond in anger or not. Proverbs again reminds us “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”-(Proverbs 13:3)
It’s also important that we confess to anyone who has been affected by our anger, (Ephesians 4:26-27) “26 In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
As followers of Christ we should never forget to constantly walk in forgiveness,(Ephesians 4:32), and to ask for God’s help when expressing anger. (1 John 1:9)“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Aren’t you glad that God sets the example in being ‘slow to anger?’(Psalms. 103:8). He knows what we are like and still He loves on us unconditionally.
The antidote to anger is to allow God to develop the fruit of the Spirit in you (Galatians5:22-23), as you’ll find it hard to be angry when you are practising love, are full of joy, know real peace, and practise kindness, gentleness and self-control. So let’s recognise anger early, resolve it quickly, practise forgiveness, and ask God to continually develop the fruit of the Spirit in us, as we become more like Jesus.
David J. Patterson