Rage Rarely Leads to What’s Right
Timeless Wisdom From An Ancient Letter
In the middle of the first century (as numbered by the Julian and Gregorian calendars), a man quite close to Jesus wrote what some scholars consider the first Christian epistle — at least the oldest to be canonized in the set of Christian writings known as “the New Testament.”
I say “quite close to Jesus” because Christian scholars dispute whether he was a “cousin” or “stepbrother” (as the Catholics say) or “brother” (as most other Christians say). Well, technically half-brother for those Christians (like me) who believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.
“Wait! Wait! You’re losing me. I’m not religious”
I know that’s what a few of you are probably thinking. If that is indeed how you feel, okay…
You may not be religious. You may not believe in the Bible or perhaps even in the existence of God. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing of value in this ancient letter, especially this verse we’re about to look at.
“Okay, whatever. We’ll see. What’s the verse?”
Glad you asked. :-)
The verse is…
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20, KJV)
James is writing this epistle to, among other things, help first-century believers in Christ cope with persecution and difficulties they are having to endure. Accordingly, he deals with many practical aspects of the Christian life.
Right before our key verse, James encourages his readers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (see James 1:19). Then…
James warns that our anger does not lead to God’s righteousness.
“Hold on! I don’t believe in God!”
James obviously did. And so do I, but let’s put that aside for the moment.
Surely, you can see how human emotions cloud our judgment and how it’s helpful to have something above and beyond our passions and incomplete perspective to anchor us and hold us accountable.
Even if you can’t embrace James’s (or my) Christian faith…
Having an objective moral compass that transcends individual passions and impulses (i.e., “the righteousness of God”) is beneficial for personal growth and societal harmony.
America’s Founders would, almost to a man, say it’s essential. This is why George Washington declared:
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
(George Washington’s Farewell Address, September 1796)
If all we pursue is “our truth,” our interests, our agenda, and we let ourselves be driven by our passions in pursuing those things, we (to use a Washingtonian phrase) “subvert” the “great pillars of human happiness.”
By rejecting objective truth (including moral truth), we sabotage society, prevent justice, ruin peace, and undermine our chance at personal happiness.
And it’s usually rage that not only paves the road to our ruin but gives us the gas in our fuel tank as we race toward our destruction.
When we perceive, experience, or feel (correctly or incorrectly) oppression, injustice, bigotry, or some other unjustified or unwelcome offense, our natural response is anger.
And there’s nothing wrong with anger in and of itself.
What we do with our anger is what matters.
Anger can be constructively channeled and harnessed. It can inform us, give us energy, and help us focus. But if we let anger take over, it can spread like an uncontrollable fire that leaves only ruin and destruction.
Anger is like fire. In a fireplace, it warms you. Let it out of the fireplace and it can burn down your house!
Perhaps even the whole neighborhood!
No matter how much you’ve been wronged, surrendering to hate is not the way. Your goal shouldn’t be to burn, steal, ruin, and destroy.
Your goal should be to build.
To build a better life.
A better family.
A better community.
A better world.
Rage (or, as James says, “the wrath of man”) won’t do that for you.
Love and wisdom is what you need for that.
Never let your emotions into the driver’s seat. They make great passengers, but terrible drivers.
This is particularly the case with anger.
It has its place.
Just make sure its place isn’t one of control.
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