Footloose

In Ephesians 4:27, the apostle Paul warns us, "do not give the devil a foothold."  This statement would be a bit ambiguous if it were not for a three-letter conjunction placed just before it: "and."  How the devil gets a foothold is clearly stated: "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"(v. 26).

Obviously, the devil gets his foothold in our lives then when we are angry. However, it is a mistaken notion, as some have concluded, to think that it is accomplished just in the fact that we get angry. Or to say that Christians ought not get angry.  In fact, the Bible clearly says, "In your, do not sin" (v. 26).  So, it is quite possible to be angry and be righteous at the same time - there is such a thing as righteous anger.   Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple with a cord in John 2:15, would be a good example.

So, what's the difference between sinful and righteous anger?  To begin with, it seems obvious that anger, which stems from a purely selfish reason like loosing a game or not getting the recognition you feel you deserve, gives the devil plenty of footholds  to climb inside your heart, which is the Word warns, "Do nothing out selfish ambition or vain conceit" (Phil 2:3).

But that, as true as it is, is not the warning of Ephesians chapter four. Here Paul warns that, to remain foot loose from the devil, we must control our emotion and "in your anger do not sin" (v. 26a). Do not let it stew to a boil. Instead, "do not let the sun go down on your anger" (v26b). Dot let it become hate or boil to the point that it spews out in hateful actions.

Get angry and then instead of getting back or getting even, seek to get right. Get right in your own heart, get right with the offender if possible and get right with Lord.

Jus' Sayn.