I had a great conversation
with a ministry colleague last night that was deep on many levels. This
Scripture was brought to my remembrance through what this friend shared.
“For the anger of man
does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 NASB
This reminds us to see
what spirit we are of or are acting from. What is the fruit of what we are
doing? Acting out of anger…is that the fruit of the spirit…or is that the fruit
of the flesh?
“Now the deeds of the
flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry,
sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes,
dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these,
of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice
such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 NASB
Notice that outbursts of
anger are deeds of the flesh NASB, works of the flesh NKJV & KJV.
Is it possible that much
of our “Quote on Quote” “Righteous Indignation” is just our way to cover for
our Outburst of Anger? (work or deed of the flesh)
Perhaps we all need to go
back and allow God to work His Character in us afresh and anew. Perhaps we all
need to really develop the fruit (singular, not plural) of the spirit (it is
NOT fruits of the spirit, but, fruit of the spirit) in our lives.
“But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
The fruit of the spirit is
self-control, not outburst of anger…which are we doing? There is a lot of
action displayed by many on social media as well as in person, that wreaks of
flesh…not spirit.
The next time your ire or
dander get up…stop and ask yourself, is this a work of the flesh or fruit of
the spirit? Is this an outburst of anger or self-control?
Just maybe…our Righteous
Indignation isn’t so Righteous after all!
