Okay, so James 1:20 says anger doesn't produce the good stuff. What does it produce? Let's first distinguish between the source (the one who gets angry) and the recipients (the ones toward whom an angry outburst is directed). We can then ask two different questions: What does anger produce in the one who gets angry? And, what does anger produce in those on the receiving end?
Let's talk about the latter group and analyze a situation where the one who is angry (call him Ace) is using anger to compel another to do what is right. (I will volunteer to be that other.) Knowing that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, we can make this connection. When I am the brunt of Ace's anger, he can force me toward compliance, an outward conformity to his wishes. But at the same time that I comply outwardly, my heart is reinforced to resist. It reasons, "Ace is out-of-control. He wants ME to exercise self-control and do what is right, but he's out-of-control. He is asking me to do what he refuses to do. No way!" Bottom line: Ace's anger might force me to comply on the surface, but at the heart level, gives me a formidable reason to resist doing what is right. In this, Ace becomes a negative reflection of a heavenly Father whose character and actions give me every reason to do what is right.
What is produced in the one who gets angry? Besides the obvious (anger breeds more anger), how does Ace's anger work as an accelerant for unrighteousness? Understanding the phrase, "the anger of man," in James 1:20 is critical. James is not talking about the anger of God, nor zeal for the things of God like that observed in Jesus' cleansing of the Temple. He is talking about "man-anger," the passion that arises from the frustration of a personal agenda. One of Jesus' most stinging rebukes of Peter was this: "You are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (Matt. 16:23). Peter's judgment was clouded; he became a willing accomplice to the unrighteous one, Satan. "Man-anger" creates just such an unholy alliance.
(For language buffs, the word translated "of man" in James 1:20 is not the same word translated "man's" in Matt 16:23. The meanings in both passages are similar, however. Note that the word in James is without an article which puts emphasis on the quality of the term, hence "man-like anger." Also of note is the contrast between anger of man and righteousness of God. "Man-anger doesn't produce God-righteousness" would be the idea. Man-anger might produce man-righteousness, that is righteousness in the eyes of men, but not God-righteousness which is the genuine article.)
The "anger of man" gets results, alright, the kind of results Satan would be pleased with. So what's a man prone to anger to do? (1) Write James 1:20 on a card. (2) On the flip side write this: "The temptation to become angry in order to "get results" is a trap! I will only succeed in making it HARDER for those around me to do what is right. And, I will be duped into serving as my enemy's accomplice." (3) Then whenever your blood is starting to boil because you're not getting the respect you deserve, or things aren't going your way, or your plans are being resisted, flash out your card and f-o-c-u-s on its truth. (4) Repeat after me: "What I want" does not matter. "What God wants" does. The ONLY WAY to promote what God wants is by refusing to "GET RESULTS" with anger.
Whew...easier said than done. Even with patience and graciousness, it's all too easy to get mad and lash out.
Posted by: Jeff | October 23, 2007 at 01:58 PM
This is great practical counsel. Are you going to address righteous anger? I'm not sure we know what to do with that either. We tend to think that Christians are to be "nice." Somehow it's hard to imagine Jesus as "nice." Also, what about the positive aspects of the emotion of anger? Anger can be a great motivator when handled properly.
Posted by: CF | October 23, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Great comment, CF! Yes, we'll try to cover all the bases with "Ace" over the coming year.
Posted by: Jim Fleming | October 23, 2007 at 04:26 PM
When raising children in their younger years, it is vital for us to remember that anger produces visible results, but not heart results. Anger, defeats the entire process of "removing foolishness in our children and building in wisdom." A person of wisdom would not resort to being Satan's accomplice! AND, what a disservice to our children if we do resort to the way of the enemy. If we desire our children to grow in a way that they are able to respond to any situation with grace, humility and calmness, we MUST be demonstrating that in the most "anger-raising" times in parenting. How? ONLY by consistent surrender of ourselves and reliance on God's sustaining power within us! Praise God that He is Able!
PS-I like the new look at light-work!
Posted by: mjc | October 23, 2007 at 09:26 PM
After an outburst of anger, I reflect on my actions and language and can only realize that I did not yield to God's wisdom and therefore Light did not shine. I created a shadow. I stood between Light and the recipient and I became faceless.
Every day I see my relationship with the Lord through my relationship with my children. God loves me no matter what and wants the best for me. My foolishness cannot possibly please God. Yet he still loves me. When my children repeat the same foolish choices, yet have demonstrated the ability to make a happy choice in the exact same situation, can cause frustration. When I experience frustration I must recognize that frustration is a springboard to outbursts of anger. Frustration is simply something not going my way or the way I planed. Is God using frustration to tell me that my mindset or focus is not lined up with Him? If I am preoccupied with something of urgency, is God using frustration to tell me that what occupies me is not important? Upon recognition of frustration, I must stop, drop, and yield to God in order to prevent becoming a shadow. Likewise, I desire my children to recognize the foolish choice they are about to make and instaed yield to the happy choice.
Posted by: wc | October 24, 2007 at 09:47 AM
I really appreciate this commentary on anger. I am having a real struggle with anger and unfortunately it is often directed at my husband or children. What you were saying about why we get angry and what the results are makes a lot of sense and is very helpful. I am so "I" focused in my anger wanting the response I want when I want it and how I want it. It's pretty selfish. Thank you for the idea of using the card. I desire to handle my anger in a righteous way.
Thanks
SLO
Posted by: SLO | October 31, 2007 at 11:34 PM