Staying Cool
Theme of the Week: Venting Prevention
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs (Proverbs 19:11). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 19:19; Psalm 4:4
As a young man I witnessed how my father would lash out when he got angry. Even though he was a church-attending Christian, he'd become violent if someone would cross his path. I never witnessed physical outbursts, but his voice level and choice of words weren't gentleman-like. I resolved back then that I didn't want to be like that. However, just because I said it didn't make me not have an anger problem. To this very day I have to be aware that Satan would like to seduce me in this area of my emotional life.
In my early married life I began refereeing sporting events such as football, baseball, and basketball. As a result, I learned to take verbal abuse from the fans without being able to argue back. This discipline taught me how to be calm during confronta-tions. I learned I couldn't fight back or try to defend a certain call. I was undergoing anger management training at its most intense level.
A few months ago my daughter, Jenny, said, "Dad, you are a very calm and patient man—you never lose your cool." She was shocked when I explained to her how I've had to work all my life to control my temper and anger.
—Bob Barnes in Men Under Construction
My Response: When my anger rises, how can I view it as a challenge for victory or defeat?
Thought to Apply: Never answer an angry word with an angry word. It's always the second remark that starts the trouble. —source unknown
Adapted from Men Under Construction (Harvest, 2006) by permission.
Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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If I'm ever to gain mastery over my temper, Lord, it will take your strength. I ask for that now.
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