Recognizing The Danger!

There are many ways in which we can fall SHORT of what God wants us to be. Paul noted that falling SHORT is something we all have in common. ( Romans 3:23) As Christians we can praise God for the justification we have received by His grace through the redemption that is ours in Christ. ( Romans 3:24) Without that gift we would be left where we have fallen.

Sometimes it only takes falling A LITTLE SHORT to bring danger and disastrous consequences to life. For a floatation ring to fall SHORT of a victim out on the open ocean could result in drowning. For a jump across a crevasse to fall SHORT of the other side could mean plunging to one’s death. Another life situation to seriously consider is how -- as someone has expressed -- “ANGER is just ONE LETTER SHORT of DANGER!”

Paul put it this way:
“(26) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (27) and GIVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO THE DEVIL.” ( Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV)

Anger can be an indicator we recognize an injustice being done or some other action that is not right and in such cases can motivate us toward action that might rectify the situation. However, we must control and keep the anger in check rather than allowing it to control us. The anger must not be allowed to simmer or -- like a spark in dry grass -- it can flare up and do considerable damage not only to others, but to our own selves as well. This provides the devil a grand “opportunity” (Gk., “topos”, literally “a place”) in our life to use us -- and whatever situation it may be that has aroused the anger -- to his own un-God-glorifying purposes. Perhaps we can see the “D” of “danger” as the “devil” attaching himself to the anger”. Allowing the devil to gain some ground is the great danger we need to avert.

When we fall SHORT in this way, it is as if we are surrendering ground in our life to the devil. May our life instead be surrendered more fully to God so that when anger is experienced, we can learn to trust Him to take care of what we cannot change. God is far better at handling righteous indignation than we are anyway.

Have a great day LETTING GOD KEEP HIS GROUND IN OUR LIFE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger