Volume 3 Post/Email 11 – Anger
by brian
Do you ever find yourself angry because of something or someone?
Ephesians 4:26-27 reads, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."
It is possible to become angry without sinning, but Paul instructs us not to sin, since people generally do while angry. The other two statements and points flow from this instruction.
Anger that is not released is emotionally and spiritually unhealthy, which is why Paul says to lose it before the sun goes down. Furthermore, the devil can gain a foothold in our spiritual castle while we are angry.
In midieval castles, once the enemy broke through and gained a foothold, it was only a matter of a short period of time before they worked their way up and gained a stronghold.
Anger is toxic! The habit of harboring feelings of anger is not only a physically unhealthy lifestyle, but also a spiritually unhealthy one.
James writes that we are to be slow to become angry, because man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (1:19-20).
Sometimes we think we are righteous when angry. We can always attempt to justify our anger, but being quick to become angry is to live a life contrary to God's desire for us.
Wherever you find yourself in this matter, understand that God grants us the spiritual resources to live a life of shalom, or peace. God's peace is a blessing, and fruit, he wants to grant and produce in our lives.
(The next post will more deeply examine various Scriptures and thoughts on peace. I also intend to dedicate a post or two on the application of being peacemakers.)
-Brian
Volume 2 Post/Email 10 – Ephesians 4:6
by brian
I wanted to share a few final Scriptures on the concept of union with God.
May each verse enlighten and encourage a stronger awareness of God's presence and God's desire to be everything in our lives.
Christ can permeate and transform our lives and relationships, binding us ever closer to one another in love, peace and unity!
We can trust that our Father is over us, through us, and in us!
We are accepted; approved, forgiven; claimed; preferred; loved!
After stating there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, and baptism, Paul continues in Ephesians 4:6- "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Paul writes in Colossians 3:11 - "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
This verse is worthy of meditation and consideration.
Think of the diversity mentioned in this one verse! The Greek tradition was polytheistic, whereas, the Jewish monotheistic. Barbarians were not considered civilized, and Scythians were known for their brutality, being considered just a little better than wild animals. Slaves were not treated as those who were free, much less, as wealthy aristocrats.
Now, think of the many ways we make distinctions - socially, racially, religiously, morally, etc. Paul states that "Christ is all, and is in all".
It isn't that we do not recognize our diversity in the body of Christ. It is that we recognize that Christ is superior to our cultural and traditional differences! Christ transcends the barriers, and unites all cultures and people of faith in Him!
Paul states in Ephesians 3:6 - "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
How broad is your circle of Christian fellowship? What differences do you see Scripture deeming significant enough to divide?
Is the church family you most closely identify with and involve yourself described most accurately as being judgmental, self-righteous and sectarian, or described most accurately as being loving, accepting, and unified?
Is Jesus all and in all in your church fellowship? Is Jesus all and in all in the dynamics of your personal relationships?
Jesus came to bring people of diversity together!
Faith in Christ unites!
The greatest expression of this togetherness and oneness is supposed to be the church!
Ephesians 1:22-23 reads, "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
-Brian