Almost every day we face frustrations, difficult people, upsetting circumstances, personal attacks, family stresses and other disappointments.  A Christian leader cannot allow himself to become overly irritated by these inevitable ups and downs in life.  When we do, we become overstressed, overanxious and even angry.  Anger can then lead to impulsive and destructive decisions and actions in both word and deed.  These can even hurt our character and witness for Christ.  These times will come and represent a test of our righteousness.

So, what is the Christian leader to do?  He must live out James 1:19-20 and protect who he is in Christ (quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger).  If he doesn’t, it takes a toll on his emotions, relationships and his righteousness of God.  What did Jesus do when he was brought before Herod with false accusations and inflammatory false charges far beyond anything you and I will face.  We would probably have gotten angry and spoken out in rage and defense.  The Bible says in Luke 23: 9 that “Jesus made no answer.”  This is our example to follow.  When we think that we are about to explode in anger, don’t do it!  Rather than striking back, it’s better to slow down, catch our breath, pray, consider our options and even walk away as Jesus did.  Striking back in anger usually leads to greater problems and counter-attacks.  It can add fuel to the fire.  It is sometimes best to leave it in God’s hands and walk away and keep on walking.  Remember that words blurted out in anger cannot be un-blurted.  Once said they cannot be taken back, like a sent email or text.