“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Ephesians 4:26 ESV. The powerful Santa Ana Winds are what fuels the California wildfires each fall. A fire needs plenty of air to reach its full potential. If ventilation is cut off, the flames die out. The same can be said of anger. While quiet, seething anger is dangerous, venting our anger openly to others can lead to a raging inferno. Spreading our anger to others does not get rid of it, it only makes intensifies it. Every emotion has a proper place in life but when anger is permitted to run freely, our rage becomes our destruction. We are warned: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice,” Ephesians 4:31 NIV. My consternations must remain surrendered to God. LORD, snuff out the embers of anger within my heart. Smother every flame within me that is displeasing to you.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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