ANGER AND DANGER:  James 1:19-20 “Know this my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  I passed a church marquee today on my way home which read: “Remember that Anger is only one letter away from Danger.”  I had never thought of anger in this way except to always try to live by our Scriptures this week which are very clear and applicable.  I am a flaming type A and intense personality who likes to take on the competition and play to win.  I have to often be reminded of the “Fruit of the Spirit” when it comes to patience, kindness, and gentleness.  If not, I could lose my self-control and allow anger to take over.  There is nothing wrong with being intense as long as we allow the Holy Spirit to control it.  If not, then our anger can become a danger to our Christian walk and witness.  Our Scripture is abruptly clear, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

I believe that you would agree that we live in a non-civil, hostile, and angry culture today at every level.  Our very government cannot even function in a civil or productive manner today because of its anger for each other and opposing views, values, and positions.  As a leader in your homes and work, you have an opportunity to be an example of a Christian leader who is quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  When we lose it, we are no different from the world and do not produce the righteousness we are called to live out.  If you lose it with your children or you wife, you are not living out God’s Word and setting an example of Christ for them to follow.  Don’t let Anger produce Danger to damage your leadership and home.  When you start to get angry and lose it, remember that the “anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”