Soldier's Orders: Anger Management

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalm 37:8 (NIV)

Could worry, anger, and wrath be the parts of a self-inflicted catastrophe? Think of them this way:

  • Worry is like a dormant volcano: a dark mountain with deadly potential.

  • Anger is like a show of smoke and fire: a dramatic storm with fearful power.

  • Wrath is like an eruption of lava: a red-hot killer of all in its path.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

One common and court-sanctioned “solution” for hotheads who stew, spout, and boil over… is a “must-do” anger management course: sensible steps to cool bad tempers.

Your Leader shares His Own no-fail teachings. Consider three parts:

  1. Worry: Think of worry as molehills that trip you, which can grow into mountains that stop you! Hard people and problems ARE stumbling blocks, but worrying about them doesn’t help. Your duty? Pray. Give them to your Captain. It's HIS duty to lead a charge of light. Behind Him, you’ll leap over nagging doubts, as they shrink and crumble beneath your feet.

  2. Anger: Displays of temper may get us booty, like soldiers who loot or children who scream. But public anger negates the Good News… that ambassadors for Christ must carry.  Because your Leader 'Is slow to anger' (Nahum 1:3), follow Him and be 'Slow to anger' (James 1:19), too! When people see you overlook an offense, you shine brightly– and draw them to the Lord.

  3. Wrath: 'Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword' (Matthew 26:52). God says 'Vengeance is Mine. I will repay' (Romans 12:19). No matter how men try or DO harm us, Jesus introduced a new battle plan. Its theme and practice are unusual, so it NEVER FAILS to make people stare in undeniable admiration. Therefore, try hard to 'Turn the other cheek' (see Matt 5:39).

For Christians, anger management is like fielding a hit in with a runner on third. The opposing team slices a grounder, and it's coming directly toward you. You scoop it up and hurl it home quickly. The perfect (and guaranteed) conclusion? God is the Catcher, and anger is out!

'Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken' (Psalm 55:22). These cares include worry, anger, and wrath.

Soldier's Orders: Anger Management (Part 35)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban