The Anger Difference

I hope this doesn’t shock you or change your opinion of me, but there are times when I have anger problems. Yes, I really do. But please allow me to explain what I mean by that.
One thing I learned from spending almost five years in prison was how to control my emotions. I watched all kinds of crazy havoc take place around me – much of what would drive any sane man to prolonged bouts of anger.
But from my study of the Word of God, I continually reminded myself that, “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14). I knew from behind the wall – and now beyond the wall – that it is imperative to weigh my actions and reactions very carefully.
I remember one time having to take a stand against a group of tier mates who formulated a plan to rob a fellow inmate. Sitting in close proximity and listening to their devious plot made me angry. And guess what? I had to do something to take a stand against the wrong that was about to go down. And I did.
Now on the outside, I can’t say I’m privy to any pre-planned plots to harm people. But I do see something far more harmful, and that is how quickly complacency can enter the church, ministry, and yes, my heart.
And how dangerous this is. Think about it. When did we see Jesus show forth righteous anger in the Scriptures? Was it towards those outside the faith who were devising wrong-doings – like when I was in prison? No.
We see Jesus demonstrating anger when His Father is being misrepresented. So, “He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” (John 2:14-17).
And that is exactly what the religious outfit back in the day did, and that is exactly what the religious faction of today do.
So, I must continually check myself here on the outside, just as diligently as I did from the inside, careful not to misrepresent God’s heart. You see, just as Jesus had to enter the temple and flip some stuff upside down in order to demonstrate His zeal for His Father’s House, so too do I consciously grant Him permission to do the same spiritual adjustment in the temple of my body.
He has to enter in from time to time to clean me out, lest I turn His Father’s House into a house of merchandise. Nothing more than a flea market. And that is exactly what I become when I allow the accessory of faith to be the facade that blocks the redemptive force that comes with the access of faith – a disorganized flea market.
But no more. I mean, at least now, I see differently on how the workings of God’s people in the “name of the church” – instead of being the church – can grieve God’s heart.
So, as time goes on for me in ministry, I know it’s crucial to renew my mind in God’s Word so that I become consumed by the heart of my Lord.
So, I pray, “Break my heart for what breaks Yours, O Lord.”
I think it is healthy from time to time to ask ourselves, ‘What consumes me? What do I get up in arms for these days?’ And the answers to those questions are indicative to where we are spiritually.
So, I ask, what angers you? What angers God? Now figure out the difference.
 
ED. NOTE: Maher is the teaching pastor at Coastal Christian Ocean City and is president of Soldiers For Faith Ministries. Social media and website: @TruthOverTrend