James 1:20 – For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Perhaps you’ve seen recent renditions of a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for World War II. The poster was intended to raise the morale of the British people. They hadn’t known that it would be but a short time before Londoners were forced to face The Blitz from the Germans. That poster read, “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
Today, you are swarmed over by information that comes from many sources. One account said that over 100 billion emails are sent each day. Be grateful they don’t all come to your inbox! But as distressing information does come, a response of many is anger. Americans are indignant over stay-at-home orders, annoyed at social distancing, vexed with wearing face masks. Some are expressing rage in very public forums.
In the little book of James, you are reminded that what you are on the inside matters more than what happens outside. He urges you to discover the freedom that comes when you give a right response to the pressures of life. His remedy is to listen more with an intention of understanding and being discerning. Then he says “bite your tongue.” Actually, James 1:9 says “be slow to speak.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven add you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” Finally, James says, “Be slow to anger.” Another way to say it might be Keep Calm and Carry On.
Pray With Us
Father in Heaven, I admit that I am prone to anger. Sometimes I feel bitter about what the government asks us to do, and I might even result to hurtful words or thoughts. You are a God of Grace and have extended such grace towards me when I am unworthy of it. It is my desire, Lord, to move away from the things that interfere in my walk with You, and to be more tenderhearted and kind in my thoughts and words to those in authority over me. Encourage me today to focus more on the calmness of Your presence. Thank you for always hearing me. I love you, O my Father.
Amen.
