I have no idea what prompts people to do some of the things they do. Husbands get violent with their wives and blame her for the loss of their temper. Drivers get angry with other drivers and get so upset they cause accidents that at times have taken the life of another person whom they feel was an unkind driver. Neighbor turns on neighbor over some slight and, too often, someone gets seriously hurt.

Someone once said “we live in an angry environment.” I disagree. I refuse to allow people who, because of a lack of self control, grab the headlines and tarnish our community, state and nation by their fits of rage. Especially when they feel justified in doing so. Being angry is an emotion that God has given us. However, it is not something we should use to hurt others. Some have boasted about their anger saying, “You do not want me to get angry.” Solomon had this to say about anger, “Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger abides in the bosom of fools.” The brother of James said, “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.”

You have a temper? Put a lid on it, and come to worship on Sunday.  -- Norm Russell