Monday, June 8, 2020 Submitted by Donnie O’Fallon
As we see the events unfolding day by day with marching, anarchy, and mob violence in the streets across our nation, it is hard to not be upset. The taking of innocent lives of good people, the destruction of property people have worked hard for all their lives, taken in one reckless action. Particularly upsetting was an incident I read about last evening of rioters setting a house on fire in Richmond Virginia, and then blocking the fire department from getting into the house. Sadly, their actions resulted in an innocent child being burned to death in the blaze.
I remember reading something from Charles H. Spurgeon some time ago, so I looked back and read again his words this morning. Do not say,” I cannot help having a bad temper.” Friend, you must help it. Pray God will help you overcome it at once; for you either kill it or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven. I confess, all that happening has really angered me.
The Bible is full of prohibitions against anger and it’s very expressions (like temper). The various imperatives are not merely suggestions; nor are they the “ideal,” while God is willing to set aside and merely allow disobedience. Neither does it mean that it is not ok to become angry at the right time, for the right reasons and express that anger in a right manner. Jesus did when He drove the money changers form the Temple. He said, “you have made this house of Prayer into a den of thieves.” Temper is not an unpardonable sin!’ The issue has to do with “fruit.” Anger, strife, wrath, unforgiveness, hatred, dissension, (and so many other expressions of lack of self-control) are the fruits of those who know nothing of Jesus.
Galatians 5 tells us this. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I WARN YOU, AS I DID BEFORE, THAT THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS, WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no such law.
My heart was calmed somewhat as I read this and thought, those of us who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires. Since we live by the Spirit of Christ, let us walk in step with his Spirit.
Prayer:
“Father teach me how to more faithfully, walk in your Spirit who resides in me. Let the Fruit of your Spirit, in my actions and attitude show Jesus to those I meet day by day and be drawn to Him, Amen!”
