Angry With Others and Myself

It is the season of Lent, the 40 days immediately preceding Easter. It is patterned after Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. Jesus fasted and prayed seeking God’s will and direction. The writers of His biographies record three temptations He faced from Satan during this time. Each temptation was defeated when Jesus quoted scripture. Knowing God’s perspective and claiming as our own always repels temptation.

This year our church is combining Lenten practices with exercise. We are encouraged to walk or exercise in some way for at least 20 minutes of silence reflecting on a scripture or a devotional thought. Monday’s passage for reflection was: “Do not be angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, for you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” – From The Imitation of Christ

I began my day reflecting on that thought for 20 minutes of my normal morning walk. Then I wrestled with it for the rest of the day and periodically ever since.

I do get frustrated when people don’t see the world the way I see the world. Why can’t everyone interpret scripture the way I do? Why do some people view urban problems differently than me? Why doesn’t everyone like the same things in worship that I like? How can some people major in what I consider to be the minors? How can some people still be racist? Or insensitive to those who live in poverty? Or lack compassion for single parents?

Why can’t my wife be more of a sports fan? Why don’t my kids adopt the same priorities I have in life?

It is frustrating that people cannot be as I want them to be. It is even more frustrating that I cannot be who I want to be. I let myself down daily. I do not meet my expectations. Like the Apostle Paul, I do not do what I want to do and I do what I don’t want to do. I repeat sins that I desperately want to avoid. I cannot make myself as I wish to be, so how can I be angry that I cannot make others as I wish them to be? Tough question.

Can I offer all people I encounter more grace, more understanding, and more acceptance? I pray I can. 

~Rev