Senseless

We call them senseless because we search for meaning but cannot find any reasonable explanation. I am referring to the senseless violence that has occurred over the past several days, two school shootings, a woman being stabbed while riding on public transportation, and most recently the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an outspoken political and religious personality.

An outcry of sorrow, but also of anxiety, follows the school shootings. Speculation about the woman’s stabbing is fruitless, yet no one is thinking that the murderer was justified. Sadly, the reaction to Kirk’s death was immediately mixed.

Major news outlets and social media exploded with both outrage and sympathy. Yet, many who voiced sympathy also made political jabs against Kirk and his ideals. Then, there were extremists who were bold enough to applauded his death.

These senseless acts of violence seem to affect us more profoundly than tragedies overseas. They affect our kids, threaten our public safety, touch our beliefs and values. They did not happen somewhere else but in our ‘backyard.’ They each affect us differently, yet all heighten our awareness that we live in a broken world and it doesn’t seem to be getting better.

As Christians, what do we do? How do we react? What do we say?

The Scriptures provide guidance.

First, Jesus dealt with the news of senseless acts of violence in His day. The Roman governor, Pilate, had apparently ordered the death of some Jews from Galilee and mixed their blood with their sacrifices. (Luke 13:1-5) It was a hot-button issue of that day and caused outrage among some. However, Jesus’ response suggests that they were not as much angry with Pilate, but wanted Jesus to address the apparent guilt of the Galileans. In other words, they thought those Galileans must have been some really bad people for God to have allowed such a thing. They wanted Jesus’ opinion.

Jesus pulled their attention away from the headline news of the day with a statement that some might consider insensitive, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this way?” Jesus was telling them that their focus was in the wrong place.

Would you like Jesus to weigh in on the violence of our day, give His divine opinion on the matter?

Jesus walked this earth as deity in the flesh. He existed before His earthly ministry. He had a perspective that we may overlook. He saw Cain kill Abel. He saw the condition of the world at the time of the flood, the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, the violent Assyrians attack Israel, His own people offering children as sacrifices, the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem by the Greeks. He had seen it all and the events of His day were nothing new.

Jesus did weigh in on the senseless matters of His day. He came to “seek and to save the lost” and “to give His life a ransom for many.” He did not think that He would end war and violence on the earth. Rather, He opened the door to God’s kingdom. He calls for you to change your thinking about the headline news and realign your focus to God and His kingdom!

Second, “The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) So, curb your outrage. Refrain from social media outbursts and from your own senseless opinionated banter. Instead of expressing your liberty of free speech, capture God’s attention. Use your voice in the quiet of your room...on your knees...in humble prayer.

Mark Stinnett

September 14, 2025  

It's Not Fathers' Day (But You're Still the Dad) (Pt. 1)

Part 1: Head of the Home

The husband is expected to be the ‘head of the home.’ This responsibility goes back to the Garden of Eden and has been echoed in the New Testament. (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22). Of special interest to fathers are the following verses:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 

--Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart. 

--Colossians 3:21

To provoke someone to anger is to be the cause of the anger. You have done something or said something or you have NOT done or said something that causes another person to become angry.

The word exasperate is the idea of making someone so exhausted through your actions or speech that they simply want to give up and get away. Exasperation affects one physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Both scriptures are written in a negative tone, more like a prohibition: Don’t do this! So, what are some specific things that should be avoided?

Paul does not enumerate, yet by applying the Golden Rule you might ask, “What kinds of things would provoke me to anger or exasperate me?” The following is a general list that might help you get started.

A father can exasperate his children…

• When he does not listen.
• When he disciplines in uncontrolled anger, more of a reaction.
• When he is often unreasonable: “No questions; just do it. Follow my orders!”
• When he is often overbearing: Children are often bullied and/or treated more like slaves than family members.
• When he is often insensitive: Communication by yelling. Harsh words. “Just deal with it.” “Get over it!”
• When he is often critical: “You never do anything right.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “You can’t do that, what a foolish idea.”
• When he is generally unyielding: “Rule #1: Father knows best. If there are any questions, refer to Rule #1.”
• When he administers consequences that do not fit the offense, yet he does not acknowledge the error or apologize.
• When he intentionally teases to the point of embarrassment (especially in public).
• When he is in the wrong, but refuse to acknowledge and apologize.

‘Head of the home’ is not synonymous with dictator or overlord. Head implies leadership. As the leader of the home God expects fathers to govern with a keen mind that considers each individual in the family. A good father understands differences in personalities, abilities, and even personal interests. He welcomes input from his wife and from his children. He is also careful to admit to his own failures and shortcomings.

Father’s Day is a day on which fathers are honored. 

For self-evaluation: Do you lead every day in such a way that you are deserving of honor?


Mark Stinnett

May 4, 2025

The Good Son

The Parable of the Good Son might not ring a bell because I am actually referring to the older son in the Parable of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). The prodigal son asked for his inheritance, left home, lived a riotous life, and then returned home begging for a job as a slave. He was accepted back by his loving father as a son. The lesson is about God’s mercy for the lost person who returns to God. The older son stayed home. He was the good son.

The older son went about his work day after day, just a good son should. There was one day, however, that was remarkably different. He returned to his father’s house to hear what sounded like a celebration…. It was a celebration!

One of the servants told him that the celebration was for his younger brother who had returned home. The fattened calf, normally set aside for a an important guest, had been slaughtered for the feast. At this news the older son boiled with anger! HE had not made poor choices in life, not like his younger brother. It was not enough that his younger brother had returned home, they were throwing a party! Anyone would be angry! How insensitive.

Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever found yourself doing what you were supposed to be doing, yet you were overlooked or taken advantage of? Life’s inequities can often arouse anger. After all, hard work and dedication should be rewarded. Excellence should be rewarded. Personal sacrifice should be rewarded. Honesty and integrity should be rewarded.

In many respects the older son had every right to be angry. The younger son had disrupted the family enterprise. It was not simply a matter of taking money from the family’s savings account. Livestock and property were probably sold in order give the son his part of the inheritance. In addition, the family name was undoubtedly tarnished.

Perhaps the greatest inequity was that the foolish younger son had made his way back home and expected something more. A person could easily reason that the younger son was leeching off the older brother’s share of the estate.

Sometimes Christians feel a sense of anger toward fellow Christians who have wandered away from Christ but later returned. The younger son is a picture a Christian who has chased after a life of sin for a time, but later returned home to Christ. The foolish younger son should have known better, just as every Christian should know better than to leave Christ.

The older son displayed an attitude of arrogance. He had accepted his brother’s exit from the family and had effectively forgotten him. Now, he felt that the celebration for his brother’s return was unfair. It was unfair because of his brother’s sin AND because of his own righteousness. In HIS righteousness HE deserved better than his sinful brother. When a Christian is angry about the return of an erring Christian the same arrogance may appear.

The father said to the older brother: “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.” However, the older brother could not see that all the wonderful blessings he enjoyed from his father. It is possible for Christians to have the same blindness. Yet, blessings in Christ abound for every Christian.

The selfish arrogance of the older brother had displaced something. What was missing?

Earlier in Luke 15, a shepherd left ninety-nine sheep that were safe to go in search of his lost sheep. A woman went to great effort to find her lost coin. Yet, who went in search of the prodigal son, that is, the lost brother.

When a fellow Christian rebels and turn from God we should respond with compassion and stive to restore the severed relationship.

May God destroy in us any jealousy or arrogance that would displace our compassion for our brother who errs.

Mark Stinnett

April 6, 2025

I Want to Overcome Anger

For many people the title of this article conveys an objective of little interest. In our society, and all too often in the church, people wish to excuse, justify, or even promote anger, not overcome it. Their rationale may sound reasonable: 

• “Anger is natural.” 
• “It is healthy to vent your anger instead of hold it in.” 
• “He/she needs to know how I feel.” 
• “God was angry at times.”

I have warned against anger in my blog because anger is a real problem and God is not fond of anger. In fact, “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

So, if you embrace anger as acceptable, that is an obstacle. If anger is excused, justified, and/or advocated, only one outcome is to be expected: anger. Where anger is accepted and expected, there will be little or no effort for self-control. To overcome this obstacle, you must first adopt a different view of anger so that it is no longer valued, rather, you must value self-control.

Anger is an emotion that perceives an inequity in life and then reacts to it with passion. The perceived inequity may be personal or may be something half-way around the world. The passion within one’s spirit flares up to say, “It should not be this way!” That perception may or may not be correct. When I allow the passion of my spirit to take control, I set myself up as judge and jury...in place of God! That’s why God warned, “Vengeance is mine!” To overcome anger, I must trust that God is just and will bring ultimate justice in the end. For now, I must accept that there will be inequities in this life.

When I perceive that an inequity has occurred and my passions flare, what can I do? In some (many) cases, there is nothing I can do, such as in the case of injustices in places where I do not live. That is the kind of injustice I must give over to God in prayer. Continual anxiety and anger over uncontrollable injustices will only harm myself.

When things are more personal, the passions of the human spirit are often self-asserting and destructive. My spirit may tell my soul to lash out with words or become physical. However, “a harsh word stirs up anger.” In other words, anger produces anger. (Is that really a surprise?) 

When a person asserts himself in anger, he will at the same time devalue others. Jesus taught that very thing in Matthew 5:21-22 and showed that devaluing others opposes righteousness. In great contrast is the beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemakers value people; anger-makers do not. Anger-makers are not sons of God.

Do you want to overcome anger?

• You must first make it your soul’s desire to overcome anger.
• Stop embracing the myths of our society.
• Accept God’s justice. Injustices may exist now, but in the end God will bring justice.
• Take control of the passions of your spirit. Your soul, the YOU inside of you, CAN control the passions of your spirit. Self-control, not anger, is a fruit of the Spirit of God.
• Make prayer the solution to uncontrollable injustices in the world. Let God be God.
• Do not devalue people. Recognize that our enemy is not flesh and blood, but powers and wickedness that are not of this world.
• Stop making life’s unfairness about YOU. Anger is rooted in YOUR perceptions. YOU are not always right. YOU are not as competent a judge as God. Stop being selfish.
• Consider being a peacemaker as a core value. “A gentle answer turns away anger."

If you are serious about overcoming anger, remember, God's Spirit is given to assist us as we follow Jesus. Ask for help.

Mark Stinnett

September 22, 2024

In Defense of Anger

“No, no, no! It is not a sin to be angry!”

And yet...

Jesus made a rather startling statement regarding anger. He was responding to the way the Jewish teachers had instructed the people concerning murder. Jesus emphasized the seriousness of anger toward another person:

You have been taught that you will bear the judgment of the court for murder. I am telling you that you will bear the judgment of the court for your anger. 

Matthew 5:21-22 (paraphrased)

To ‘bear the judgment of the court’ meant that a person was accountable to the local Jewish court. Jesus did not picture a court proceeding to determine whether a person was guilty, but rather, to hand down a sentence because of guilt. So, Jesus told the people that someone guilty of anger should be dealt with in the same way as a convicted murderer.

Consider what it would mean if the teaching of Jesus became a reality in our day.
If you became angry with your spouse or your parents; off to court to receive a sentence for your anger.

• If you did not get that promotion...
• A careless driver cut you off in traffic...
• Your in-laws said _________...
• The car broke down…again...
• The preacher, the song leader, the elders did (or did not do) something…

...and you are angry...Off to court.

By nature anger devalues another person. It belittles them by justifying one’s own perceived superiority. Anger judges!

In addition, everyone who calls his fellow man Raca will bear the judgment of the supreme court; and whoever says to his fellow man, “You Fool!” will bear the judgment of God. 

--Matthew 5:22 (Paraphrased)

‘Raca’ was an Aramaic word meaning: empty. In our day it would be equivalent to calling someone empty-headed or idiot.

‘Fool’ comes from the Greek word ‘moros’ (the source of our English word ‘moron’). To call someone ‘moros’ was not mere silliness like moron might be today. It was a humiliating reference that meant worthless. It was an expression coming from an attitude that looked on another person as having no value as a human being. They could justifiably be treated like household garbage, worthless. (That’s how you justify murder.)

The attitude behind anger, raca, and moros devalues people. Such an attitude is a slap in the face of God. By devaluing others it minimizes God’s sacrifice of his Son as something done in vain. 

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 

(James 1:20)

Jesus was teaching us that murder ultimately begins with the attitude of anger. It comes from anger that is left unchecked and allowed to fester. 

The Bible never applauds the anger of man. 

Why...

             do...

                       we?!

STOP excusing the attitude of anger!

STOP defending the attitude of anger!

Anger is not the fruit of the Spirit, but the fruit of something else!

Mark Stinnett

September 15, 2024

To Be or Not To Be...Angry

Have you ever known anyone who was never angry?

If so, you have either not known that person very long, or you have found a truly remarkable individual. Anger is a natural human response.

Most often, however, the Bible describes human anger as evil, something to avoid. Yes, it is true that God was sometimes angry. Jesus was also angry. Yet, divine anger does not justify the anger of man. Some have correctly described God’s anger as righteous anger.

The Apostle Paul taught, “Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26) Yet, we should not think that Paul promoted anger, but rather that he encouraged Christians to deal with their anger before it became sin. The remainder of the verse says, “do not let the sun go down on your anger.” The simple point: Do not allow your anger to go unresolved because unresolved anger is sin.

God’s anger is always just. It is right for God to be angry at a nation, a city, or an individual who opposes Him or who harms His people. God is pure and holy. To oppose God, even in disbelief, opposes all that is good and true. Jesus was angry, but His anger was rooted in His zeal for God and for the temple of God. So, is it possible for us to be angry like God? Like Jesus?

When children are disobedient and show dishonor, is parental anger justified? If that anger is grounded on biblical teaching and is not merely a selfish and impulsive response, “Yes,” that anger toward one’s child is justified and should be followed by appropriate discipline and instruction. The simple reason is that God instructs children to be obedient to their parents. That anger is justified.

When a co-worker or acquaintance uses God’s name in profanity, or the government legalizes sin, is anger justified? If motivated by true zeal for the name of God and his principles, and not motivated by a pious, holier-than-thou attitude, “Yes,” that anger is justified. Even so, it must not be justification for other sins of aggression, defiance, or hatred.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus described anger much differently than the two examples above. Jesus warned against anger because it devalues other human beings. Anger that devalues others is never justified. God loves every man, woman, and child. Anger that devalues another person opposes God’s love and minimizes the loving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. That anger must be resolved before the sun goes down!

Whenever people justify anger, they may not realize that they have accepted the fact that anger is bad. Justification is a way of finding find a rational explanation to excuse things that are known to be wrong, or to cast wrong in a different light as if it is good. In general, anger is not good! It is NOT emotionally or physically or spiritually healthy to hold on to anger or to express one’s anger.

It is wise to learn how to deal with anger. Yet, it is even wiser to submit to God’s instruction and learn self-control. Self-control is the natural outcome of one who bears the fruit of the Holy Spirit; anger is not fruit of the Spirit.


Mark Stinnett

August 11, 2024

In 'My' Opinion

Does the Bible fit with your opinions?

Some people have a mixed up approach to the Bible. They start with their own set of beliefs. Then after reading a passage of Scripture they evaluate the text based on their opinions.

For example, think of an occasion when you were hurt by something a friend said about you. Even worse your friend didn’t seem to care; he/she never offered a simple apology.

What do you do when you read a verse of Scripture encouraging forgiveness? Do you accept the teaching and forgive or do you explain…

• “You really don’t understand how badly I was treated.” (In other words, the offense was so bad that it is really unforgivable.)
• “They don’t know how badly they hurt me.” (In other words, before forgiving the person, he should be required to feel similar pain so he will understand.)
• “They don’t even care that they hurt me.” (In other words, because he showed apathy, you are not obligated to forgive.)
• “They didn’t even repent.” (In other words, there was no show of remorse and promise of change. So, forgiveness is not required.)

If a person approaches Scripture with a predefined view of the requirements of forgiveness, he will either ignore biblical teaching or justify his point of view. The glaring flaw in that kind of thinking is in starting with human definitions and applying human reasoning. That is nothing less than evaluating God’s word by personal opinion or human standards.

As another example think about your anger.

• Do you believe that it is emotionally healthy to vent your anger? If so, how did you arrive at that conclusion?
• Do you believe that your anger is generally justified? In other words, your anger is reasonable and proper, a good thing. Or, said another way, you should be angry because of the circumstances. If so, how do you know that your anger is justified?

How are these questions to be answered?

These are only two examples in which human reason butts heads with biblical teaching. The difficulty comes when human reasoning is favored because it appears to be reasonable, and/or appears to be backed by human research.

Perhaps we should be asking...
   Do you want to be like God?
   Do you want to have fellowship with God?

When God revealed His divine character, He declared that He forgives iniquity, sin and transgression. In the same statement God declared that He was slow to anger. (See Exodus 34:6-7.) For us to be like God we must also be forgiving and we must control our anger.

Regardless of the issue, rationalization and self-justification come from immaturity and selfishness. If you recognize that you sometimes turn to human thinking to evaluate God’s word, what can you do?

First, recognize that you are not a piece of equipment that can be repaired with the right parts and the right tools. Rather, the problem is in the heart; a faith problem. You will need outside assistance. There is no switch to flip and no magical verse that will make everything better.

You must be serious about change. So, start on your knees in earnest prayer asking God for a change of heart. Rise up trusting that He will act. Then, commit yourself to listen eagerly to His word.

Mark Stinnett

January 29, 2023

Why Was the King Angry?

Nebuchadnezzar

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had built an impressive gold statue that stood 90 feet high. He had invited all the rulers of his empire to a dedication of the statue. At a certain moment, all kinds of musical instruments were to be played and everyone was to bow to the statue. Three young Jewish men who were in attendance did not bow and the king was angry!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were brought before the king and given a second chance. In so many words they respectfully declined the formality of a second chance, indicating that they would not bow.

“Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered….” You might say that the king was livid! (Daniel 3.)

David

King David had sinned. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba and the two had just gone on living their lives. Later, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David.

Nathan told about a rich man that stole a lamb from a poor man in order to feed a traveling guest that he was entertaining. David reacted in great anger saying:

He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion. 

—2 Samuel 12:6

Nathan’s story was only an illustration of what David had done by taking Bathsheba from her husband. But note David’s response. There is no question but that David would have had the sentence carried out. After all, kings were like a one-man supreme court at that time, the ultimate judge.

Do you see a difference in the two kings’ anger?

Nebuchadnezzar was angry when the three Jewish men disobeyed. But there was more to it. The king had not receive the honor that he had expected. The statue was erected by him and the occasion was set up to honor him. The king’s anger was actually self-centered.

In contrast, David’s anger stemmed from the injustice against the poor man. His anger was not about himself, but about a wrong that, as king, he could set right.

Three Lessons Drawn from the Kings’ Anger:

First, when your anger is focused on a perceived injustice toward yourself (selfish anger), good will never come of it. Oh, sure, you might get your way, but there is nothing noble or godly about that. Parents, DO NOT reward your children for selfish anger. You will reinforce that attitude, but it is an attitude that God rejects!

Second, there are injustices for which anger is justified. Parents, wake up! Your anger for your child’s disobedience or dishonor IS justified; disobedience or dishonor toward parents is sin. The same could be said about other sins. Parents, until your children are old enough to learn God’s instruction, you are their law. Your anger for their sin is just, but, you must not be controlled by anger. If you discipline in anger your child will associate your anger with discipline, and that is not what you want to teach.

Third, anger seems justified when it is about an injustice in life. However, if that injustice does not directly affect you or you can do nothing about it, your anger is meaningless. You might even be surprised to find that many of your friends and family either laugh at you or prefer to avoid you when you are constantly angry about all the many injustices in life. Fruitless anger makes you look foolish...because you are!

More often than not, anger is sin. 

Stop trying to defend it; 

   rather, control it,  

      or better, avoid it.

Mark Stinnett

October 16, 2022

Can You Trust Anger?

People often intentionally adopt specific behaviors or attitudes because they are confident they will bring about a favorable result. For example, a person adopts a strong work ethic because he believes that over time consistent, high quality, hard work will pay off. The pay-off might be financial security or a good reputation or something else of benefit.

Some people value the ability to find a good deal when buying and selling in order to make or save money. Some people value ongoing education whether it involves further coursework, hands-on training or personal study/reading in order to maintain a top professional standing. Some value a quick wit, perhaps for the laughter it gives others or for the attention they receive for themselves.

There are many things in life that have some measure of value, but I have never heard anyone explain the value of anger. You see, the examples presented above have value because of the benefits received. One might say that people place their trust in things of value which they perceive will provide an expected benefit or result. But what about anger?

I’ve heard many people attempt justify anger or defend anger. I suppose there are times when anger is justified. Yet, again, what is its benefit? What is the purpose of anger? What do you expect to gain by being angry?

Let me continue by ruling one thing out…

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

— James 1:19-20

A person can make a case for anger in order to justify anger from the past, present or future. However, anger will never achieve righteousness. In the Bible, righteousness is one of those things that you really want. In fact, Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) He also said that those who are righteous will inherit eternal life! (Matthew 25:46) So, anger doesn’t really promise any kind of benefit with regard to God.

If you think about the last time you became angry, or think about things that make you angry, what would you say? Are there things that you think you should be angry about?

Most people are bothered by injustice. One might describe an injustice as being unfair or not right. God created us in such a way as to be bothered by the injustices of life. And yet, giving oneself over to anger because of injustice accomplishes nothing good, not righteousness.

God’s wrath was brought against injustices toward the poor, the needy and widows (Isaiah 10:2; Ezekiel 16:49). Yet, it should be observed, that God took action. He did not just gripe about it. Other injustices might be put in the same category. However, anger gives no benefit.

This point is magnified when one’s anger is not so noble, that is, not motivated by injustices against others. It is my observation that anger is more often motivated by injustices that people perceive to be against themselves. They feel that they have been treated unfairly. It is seen in an angry scowl of disapproval, a child’s disobedient temper tantrum, or, far worse, the murder of another human being.

In most cases anger is a knee-jerk reaction. So, before getting angry again, stop and think about all the benefits of anger. Then, ask yourself, “Can I trust anger to give me anything good?”

Mark Stinnett

October 9, 2022

Who Would Rage Against God?

Who in their right mind would be filled with rage against God?

After all, God is our creator. He gives life. He makes the sun shine and the rain fall on the earth for the benefit of all people. He sent His Son to redeem mankind. Yet, Solomon wrote:

The foolishness of man subverts his way,
And his heart rages against the LORD.
--Proverbs 19:3

Foolishness is a lack of understanding and discernment. A foolish person is one who does not consider the consequences of his choices. He just blunders along thinking everything will somehow work out.

Subvert means to twist, pervert or ruin.

His way refers to the actual ‘path of life’ along which a person walks. It involves the reasoning behind the choices, thought, speech and behavior. It also includes the thinking behind daily decision and long-term plans. It is descriptive of one’s direction in life and its outcome.

To subvert his way is to change course in life. It describes a generally good direction being twisted or perverted so that the person goes in a different direction and experiences a different outcome. His foolishness is behind it all.

Rage is a word that describes a constant ongoing anger that affects one’s overall disposition. It is not just a flash of anger from a hot temper.

The proverb describes people who desire to go along the path of life without opposition to their choices. They want to “live and let live” and enjoy tolerance. Yet, ultimately, their expectation is that everybody would tolerate their thinking, their behavior, their speech, their rights, their choices, their values. When they encounter any kind of opposition to their way, they cry out, “Don’t judge me!”

They are foolish because they blunder through life without a thought of the consequences of their choices. Then when things do not go well, they become angry...even angry at God.

In our day they include those who take marriage casually: Those who desire the sexual privileges of marriage, yet do not marry; who are unfaithful to their spouse; who swap spouses; who quit one marriage for another without thought; who engage in homosexuality.

Oddly, many who are sexually immoral claim faith in God while discrediting His word. Where their choices are condemned in the Bible they claim that it is outdated or wrong or misinterpreted. After all, God surely accepts them just the way they are…because God made them the way they are. They worship a god of tolerance.

Many churches and preachers stand under the banner of God and Christianity, yet do not hold to God’s teachings. In foolishness they ‘subvert the way’ for many who wish to find acceptance regardless of their attitudes and behaviors.

In truth, God will accept anyone who comes to Him in faith. Yet, He intends to transform people into the image of Christ, not tolerate their life of sin. God is holy and He demands holiness.

So, it should be no surprise that when confronted with the glaring reality of God’s unchangeable holiness, many lash out in rage. Do not take it personally when people who reject the Scriptures are corrected. Their rage is against God.

There is a battle. It is not about issues and arguments; it is about souls. There are many who can out-argue you; many who stubbornly refuse to listen. We must lift up Jesus in love.

Be on guard for yourself. Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

Who Sits on the Front Porch of the House of Anger?

I think it’s time we had a little chat. 

I want to talk with you about your attitude.

I am aware that things did not work out exactly as you had planned. I know that you had your hopes up but you were disappointed. I understand that it was really important to you, but that folks just don’t seem to care.

I am really sorry that things did not go your way. The frustration is real. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as ‘undo’ or ‘redo.’

You may not feel that it is a good time to say this, but I want you to know that I care enough to take the risk. 
You really need to work on your attitude.

When things go sideways and plans are frustrated, WE (humans) usually get frustrated. When life is going OK, but people interrupt our lives and mess things up, WE get frustrated.

Do you know what happens when most people get frustrated?

I’ll bet you do; you’ve seen it. I’ll bet you’ve felt it. Frustration sits on the front porch of the house of anger. The door is wide open and frustration waits (not too long) to see if things will take a quick turn for the better (i.e. the way you want things to go). More often than not, frustration bolts right through the door: Anger.

A lot of times when people do not get their way, they skip the moment of frustration and pitch a fit. That’s the way we talked about it when I was a kid: Pitching a fit or throwing a fit. More accurately it is displaying a fit of anger.

If anger were not so serious, it would be amusing to see how many different words or phrases people use to mask the reality of anger.

• “I’m really upset.”
• “I can’t tell you how frustrating that is.”
• “You are really aggravating me.”

We like our slang terms too:

• “He’s hot under the collar.”
• “She was on fire when she found out.”
• “That really ticked him off.”

We even mask anger when we advise:

• “You just need to blow off some steam.”
• “Why don’t you vent your frustration.”

You may be thinking: "The Bible says, 'Be angry and do not sin.' Doesn’t that mean that it is possible for a person to become angry and yet not sin?"

“Yes, it does,” and “yes, that is correct.”

Why is it that so many people quote that verse to say that it is not wrong to be angry; to justify anger? Take a look at the entire verse:

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.
—Ephesians 4:26-27 (NASB95)

Perhaps another verse will help to put things into perspective:

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
 —James 1:19-20 (NASB95)

Anger does not possess the quality of being good. An angry person is never confused with a good person. Paul did not write to Christians in order to justify their anger. Jesus came to deal with sin, not justify anger and give the devil opportunity.

God does not want you to be angry. 

It is really that simple.

When you are angry, even when you deal with it properly, you are still not achieving the righteousness of God.

Frustration sits on the front porch of the house of anger. Don't let your emotions rule over you. Don’t allow your frustration to walk in the door; get off the porch. 

Place value on God’s righteousness, not your way.

Mark Stinnett

"I AM": Slow to Anger

Eyes squint. Jaws clench. Fists tighten. Nostrils flare upon inhale.

You've seen it...ANGER!
(Expect fire upon exhale.)

If you have ever made someone angry, very angry, and that was not your intention, what a relief it was when they slowly exhaled and began to relax their fists...jaw...eyes: Self-control.

Better yet is the person who demonstrates self-control before the anger begins. They do not flare up quickly. They do not have to cool down; they never heat up in anger! The circumstances could have made the person angry, but the anger was controlled at the very beginning. Slow to anger.

Imagine yourself among a small group of friends. Everyone is asked to list a few words or phrases related to 'love.' Surely someone writes compassion; also grace and kindness. Would anyone write down, 'slow to anger'?

When God passed in front of Moses and verbally identified himself, the first few attributes expressed different facets of God's love.

The LORD, the LORD God,compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.

--Exodus 34:6

• Compassion is an expression of God's love as He withholds anger and rejection that are truly justified.
• Grace is an expression of God's love as He generously gives when it is completely undeserved.
• Lovingkindness is an expression of God's love as He makes promises simply because he loves, and with that same love is loyal in keeping His promises.

        [Read more on these expressions of love...Compassion, Grace, Lovingkindness]

Right in middle of these love expressions is the attribute, 'slow to anger.' I cannot help but think that slow to anger is yet another expression of God's love.

Worded slightly differently, the expression slow to anger describes God as one who takes a long time in becoming angry; an anger procrastinator. It reminds me a number of older people I have known; people who have experienced life and understand human nature. They know something about human weakness; they understand the human dilemma. They recognize the brevity of life and know the things in life that are of value, true value. They know the futility of anger and its destructive end.

They are not unconcerned or uncaring, they simply know how to live without acting impulsively or overreacting to life's circumstances.

Isn't that a loving characteristic? Isn't it an act of love when a person does not become angry quickly? Isn't it a sign of love when a person does not lose his or her temper? We might not always 'see' the absence of impulsive anger, and as a result might not recognize the love that is there. However, it is an expression of love and it is an attribute of God.

God does not 'try' to take a long time in becoming angry. It is not his 'second' nature. It is not by force of will or internal fortitude that God wrestles with himself and overcomes the impulsive flare-up of anger. It is by nature that God takes a long time in becoming angry. It is just the way he is.

It is as if God had said to Moses, "I AM who I am . . . I AM slow in becoming angry."

Oh wait...He did!

     The LORD God...slow to anger....
     --Exodus 34:6

Why Some Believers Hate God

Who in their right mind would be filled with rage against God?

The atheist would not rage against God; he doesn’t believe in God. So, this question must be directed to those who claim some degree of faith in or acceptance of God. So, who in their right mind would be filled with rage against God?

Isn’t it God who created the world?
Isn’t it God who created mankind?
Isn’t it God who breathed life into living things?
Isn’t it God who makes the sun shine and the rain fall on all men?

Who would rage against God . . . ?

   The foolishness of man subverts his way,
   And his heart rages against the LORD.
   --Proverbs 19:3

Here are a few important words in this proverb:

Foolishness - This describes the way of the fool first seen in Proverbs 1:7 who lacks understanding and discernment. He does not consider the consequences of his choices.

Subvert - means to twist or pervert.

His way - refers to one’s “way of life”; how a person thinks and conducts himself in general.

Rage - This anger word refers to an ongoing anger that affects one’s disposition (not just a flash of anger); vexation.

The proverb describes believers of our day who are filled with anger when they hear that God does not approve of their way of life. They are the sexually immoral who insist that the Bible does not condemn their lifestyle. They are the individuals who stand against anyone who would have the audacity to speak against their behavior. “Do not judge me,” they cry. They are the ones who cannot allow for biblical truth to contradict their established conclusions about life.

They are people who want to claim a belief in God, yet they discredit the simple teachings of the Bible. There seems to be something about God that appeals to them (perhaps, mercy and grace), however they have no intention of changing their thinking and behavior from their current way of life.

Because they lack understanding and discernment they have twisted the path of life on which they walk. They lack true knowledge of God. So, when they are confronted with the glaring reality of God’s unchangeable holiness, they refuse to accept the reality of their sin. Then, as a result, they lash out in rage against God.

It would seem that Solomon wrote this proverb for our day. It gives us insight into the mind of many in our society today who claim to be religious, even claim to believe in Christ, yet refuse God's divine revelation of scripture.

Be on guard. Do not let the foolishness of our age twist your way. Do not be influenced by those who rage against God!

Be wise.

Vent Your Frustration!

Have you ever been around someone who is vexed?

Perhaps you are thinking what I am thinking, “M-a-y-b-e . . . what exactly is ‘vexed’?”

‘Vexation’ is not a commonly used word these days, but it is quite descriptive. It is an ‘anger’ word with an added pinch of mental distress and irritation.



Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was vexed when her husband’s other wife continually tormented her because she was unable to bear a child. When you are vexed your mind is swimming with anger and distress due to something/ someone that has irritated you.


So, have you ever been around someone who is vexed?

You can almost see a cloud over their head; they cannot hide it. They huff and grunt and make a show of their bad mood. You might even hear an announcement, “That really ticked me off!” or “I am so mad I could spit!”

FOOL!

It is not nice to call someone a fool, but...

     A fool's vexation is known at once, 
     But a prudent man conceals dishonor.
                                                         --Proverbs 12:16

Vexation is not necessarily bad if you handle it properly. Perhaps we all become vexed at one time or another. The fool is the person who cannot help but make everyone aware of his‘vexation.’ He vents his frustration, according to the wisdom of our day.

The man or woman of true wisdom is different. Instead of demanding attention and becoming a distraction; instead of venting his/her frustration, the wise person shows patience and self control. He knows how to deal with his difficult circumstances, at least in part, by the preceding proverb:

     The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
     But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
                                                                    --Proverbs 12:15

Just be sure to choose your ‘counselor’ carefully if you are vexed. The one who counsels you to be a fool and "vent your vexation" is not giving you wisdom from God.

Be wise.