Mature Obedience
Slow to Anger – Part 4

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-15

Key Verse: James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

This entire section of this month’s devotional has tried to paint a picture of what “mature obedience” looks like in believers.  For many believers, getting control over anger is their greatest struggle in their journey toward maturity.  If you are a believer that has this struggle, don’t get discouraged or give up—God is merciful and forgiving!  God understands this battle and never forgets how frail we all are.  Don’t give yourself permission to blow it, but don’t be so hard on yourself either.  God won’t give up on you so don’t give up on yourself!

I love Solomon’s conclusion about a person who controls their temper: “They earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (Proverbs 19:11b).  We must keep that goal in front of us; we are earning respect by not flipping out every time someone wrongs us.  Start your day with a mental exercise.  Picture the people in your life and those you may come across during the day.  Remind yourself that they are only human and will probably do things and say things in less than perfect ways.  Visualize how this will affect you.  Determine, early in the morning, how you plan to respond.  Do you want to earn their respect and the respect of all who are looking on?  If so, overlook their wrongs; picture yourself forgiving them.  Remind yourself that you can control your temper.

Father, I want to be a mature follower.  Today I will engage the gifts of your Spirit to overcome my flesh.  In Jesus’ name, amen.