A Thought About ANGER....

To begin with, the word "anger" is just one letter shy of the word "Danger" Anger is dangerous for one's witness, health, and others who may be the recipients of our anger, one way or another!

Now, here is a neat story that you who pastor, or serve in the ministry in one form or another, will thoroughly enjoy, and if you do like it, feel free to use it and share it. It is a subtle, yet all important reminder that ALL of us who serve, still get bit by the "Angry bug" from time to time!

The wife turns to her husband and says, "Honey; you have to forgive those who have wronged you and caused anger to rise up with you! So, get up out of this bed ... it's time to head on out to church"... the husband, who knows his wife is right, says, "But, the people are always talking about me, and they get on my nerves, and they hurt my feelings... I just get so mad at them!" Nodding her head in agreement with her downhearted husband, she smiles and reminds him that, "That may be well and true, BUT there are three good reasons to go... First - It's the right thing to do; Secondly - You always get something out of the sermon; and most importantly, You're the Pastor!"

How often do we, as pastors feel like the punch line, or congregational punching bag, in the above story?

I hope this puts some pep in your step, and more importantly, that it drives home the importance of not letting anger get the best of you as well as get you down!