Soon Enough

 “A quick temper will make a fool of you soon enough.” (Bruce Lee)

I am of the firm belief that getting older has its advantages. One of those blessings is people don’t mess with a big guy in his fifties.  (It also doesn’t hurt that my legendary temper has emotionally kept people at an emotional distance, too.) Most of the time, I am an agreeable person.  I can open my mind to understand and appreciate almost any opinion on a diverse range of topics.  (Being a blogger has helped with this open mindset.) I know what I believe when it comes to the Bible. Trying to get me to alter my core values is a waste of time for anyone.  (I can though see and speak on the similarities that many different religions have.)

The raging bull in me comes out when I feel someone is disrespecting my opinion (verbally or in writing). I tend to then get meanly blunt as I use my God-given gift of communication to correct an individual.  No matter how many times my wife tells me to let the situation go; I feel possessed to see the situation through to the climactic, tumultuous conclusion where the person no longer wishes to ever communicate with me again. (My temper definitely needs a divine renovation to become more Christ-like.)

If you struggle with anger, it is important to slow down your thought pattern by thinking about the situation before you allow it to come out your mouth. Proverbs 29:11 (VOICE) says it this way: A fool does not think before he unleashes his temper, but a wise man holds back and remains quiet. No one wishes to be labeled as a hot-headed idiot, but when you allow negative situations to control your emotions (instead of the other way around). This is not the sign of a wise person.

The next time you lose your temper try what is suggested in Proverbs 15:1(TPT) and see if it works for you. (I believe it will.): Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men? Your heavenly Father already knows (throughout your life) what will cause you to lose your temper. Wouldn’t He be the best one to help you gain the victory over keeping it when you shouldn’t be losing it? I have full confidence you can do this.