RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION???

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!