Knock! Knock!

When someone comes knocking at our door, it is not only appropriate, but also wise to respond, "Who's there?"! Though we ought to be hospitable people, we must still guard against allowing danger to enter in. Even opening the door a little bit in some situations could allow the wrong person to push on through.

When Cain became upset that his brother Abel's offering was regarded by God, but his was not, he became ANGRY. ( Genesis 4:3-5) ANGER is one of those things that can easily take control of our life if we do not take care to control it. Such became the case with Cain.

We read. . .
"(6) The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? (7) If you DO WELL, will you not BE ACCEPTED? And if you do not do well, SIN IS CROUCHING AT THE DOOR. ITS DESIRE IS FOR YOU, BUT YOU MUST RULE OVER IT.'" ( Genesis 4:6-7 ESV)

ANGER came knocking! Sin was at Cain's door. He was even warned by God that sin was "crouching" there. However, Cain let sin in anyway! Cain allowed his ANGER to get the best of him and bring out his worst! He killed his brother. ( Genesis 4:8)

This is one of the great dangers of ANGER; we do not always know to what ends it might lead us. Therefore it is important to master it before it masters us! When ANGER gets the best of us it usually brings out the worst in our actions and words.

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, he warned. . .
"(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)

Sometimes the only opportunity the devil needs is to get his foot in the door. Through uncontrolled ANGER the devil has gained many victories. We must keep the door completely closed to him. Instead, let us bear in mind how we -- as children of God -- are to be peacemakers. ( Matthew 5:9) May that peace begin within us that others can receive our best.

Have a great day SEEKING GOD'S HELP TO DO WELL!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger