Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. — Philippians 2:3
Orlando, Florida, is home to several large theme parks that draw thousands of vacationing families each year. But last year, a health magazine labeled Orlando as the “Angriest City in America.” They based that title on things like violent assaults, road rage, and the percentage of men who had high blood pressure.
King Nebuchadnezzar, “in rage and fury,” commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego be brought before him because they would not worship the gold image he had set up (Dan. 3:13). When he didn’t get his way, he was “full of fury. And the expression on his face changed” toward the three men (v. 19).
All of us struggle with anger. But anger is not always wrong. “Be angry, and do not sin” (Eph. 4:26). We should get angry when we see injustice in our world. But most often our anger, like Nebuchadnezzar’s, comes from a far less noble place — our own self-interest and pride. If our temper gets the best of us, we can lose control of what we say and do. Paul challenged us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3).
When we begin to put others first, we may find we’ve taken a first step toward managing our anger. — Cindy Hess Kasper
Spirit of God, please change my heart,
And give me a new desire;
I want to be a man of peace,
Not controlled by anger’s fire. — K. De Haan
READ: Daniel 3:8-25
When a person’s temper gets the best of him, it often reveals the worst of him.
The Bible in one year:
• Psalms 35-36
• Acts 25