Being Good and Angry!

Psalm 7:11 says: God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.

We see in this verse that God gets angry (he “displays his wrath”). We also see that his anger is an everyday occurrence. This is not surprising because there is a lot that we humans do that would make God angry. An alphabetical list of common sins includes: 

• Adultery
• Blasphemy 
• Covetousness
• Dishonesty
• Envy
• Fornication 
• Greed
• Hatred
• Idolatry
• Judging
• Lusting
• Murder 
• Pride
• Resentment
• Stealing
• Unforgiveness
• Vanity
• Wickedness

...and the list could go on and on. But what Psalm 7:11 tells us about God’s anger is that he displays it in a way that is “righteous”. He judges our sins properly—identifying them for what they are—offenses against God and others. Unlike us, God does not ignore or excuse sin. He doesn’t “rename” sin and label them with less offensive terms such as: failures, faults, shortcomings, or mistakes. He calls a spade a spade. Sin is sin.

Notice that on the list of frequent sins, I did not include “anger.” It is clearly not a sin to be angry. In fact, if any of the above sins were committed by someone against you, it would certainly make you angry. But anger—if left unchecked and out-of-control—can lead us to commit some of the sins above. It’s interesting to note that all you have to do is add one letter to the word anger and look out! Danger!

Anger is an emotion that bubbles up within us not unlike lava in a volcano. Scientists who study this, known as “volcanologists” have discovered that magma chambers deep in the earth build up pressure until they reach the surface. The pressure of these chambers are released through “vents” that often result in eruptions of lava, ash and pyroclastic debris. The destructive capacity of these eruptions depends on the amount of pressure that builds up below the surface.

This description of volcanic activity can easily be compared to the increase of anger that takes place as life’s circumstances create stress and pressure within us. If we don’t have a healthy way to “vent” our anger, we will erupt and spew wreckage upon our co-workers, friends and family. It isn’t easy to control our anger, but it is possible.

Acknowledge your anger. Find the root cause. And release it appropriately. God allows for anger to exist so long as it is properly channeled. Pray for God to help you keep your cool. Seek His forgiveness (and others) when you blow up. Above all: Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. And do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Don't Worry, Be Happy

It doesn’t seem possible but almost 30 years ago, Bobby McFerrin wrote a catchy tune in which the "instruments" in his a cappella song are entirely overdubbed voice parts and other sounds made by McFerrin whistling, humming and drumming himself. The song is entitled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and you probably know the tune and catchphrase by heart (see the attached YouTube video). It became the first a cappella song to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and won a Grammy Award in 1989 for “Song of the Year.”

Within the song, McFerrin wrote these lyrics:

In every life we have some trouble

But when you worry, you make it double

Don't worry, be happy

'Cause when you're worried, your face will frown

And that will bring everybody down

So don't worry, be happy

Although I did not play this song during the worship service yesterday, the lyrics reflect the words of Jesus when he says in Matthew 6:34: So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Dwelling on worrisome thoughts doubles your troubles. And it affects your facial appearance and negatively impacts your influence on others. Learning to be as worry-free as possible is actually an important testimony to an unbelieving world.

The worst kind of worry is when you say in your heart, “Things are going so good, that something bad is bound to happen.” In other words: “Everything is going so great in my life right now; I'm sure God's getting ready to pull the rug out from beneath me.” This is actually the woeful expression of a lack of faith. If you read between the lines, the Bible says that's how Satan was able to get at Job. He was constantly afraid, constantly worried. He was always thinking, “What if my sons are not obeying the Lord” and he would go make a sacrifice for them. "What if... What if...."  If you're "What if-ing" yourself, you are setting yourself up. 

God says, “I don't want you to worry.” He wants us to be like Him. Do you realize that God never worries about anything? So if you and I are going to be like God, like Jesus Christ, we need to learn not to worry. 

When You're at a Crossroad in Life

Back in the Bible times of the Old Testament, there was a prophet named Jeremiah who wrote down a word of instruction he received from God. This divine message was intended for the people of Judah who were faced with a choice. They could go down the path of destruction or take an alternate path that would lead to peace and rest.

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask where the good way is, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.’” (Jeremiah 6:16)

This passage of Scripture applies to each of lives. After all, life is a journey. And we all come to significant moments in life’s journey when we have to decide which way we are going to travel. Do we go left or right? Do we stop and rest or keep going? Do we set up camp, or pick up and move on?

Everyone goes through seasons of transition when we are feeling a little “lost” and want the assurance that the path we are on is the right one--that it will get us where we want to go with the fewest detours and potholes. The advice in this verse is simple. When you face a crossroad in life, there are three basic instructions to follow:

1. Stop and look around.

To me, this means that you need to pause and think about where you are and what you are doing. Don’t just charge ahead based upon which path seems to be easiest or most logical. There may be other important signals to pay attention to that will lead you in the right direction. We are often prone to rush forward because of our “hurry-up” lifestyle and culture. Pause. Take a breath. Maybe even say a prayer. There is wisdom in “slowing”. Pace yourself. Stop. Look around.

2. Ask which way is best.

Now I know men are typically scolded by their wives for “not asking directions.” That’s because another tendency we have is to move ahead without talking to God or to other trusted friends who may have been down this path already and could offer some good advice.

In my devotional reading today from Our Daily Bread, I was reminded that the Native Americans were the State’s first highway route engineers. With a few exceptions, most major highways follow the trails they cut through the wilderness hundreds of years before the white man came. A trail started out 12 to18 inches wide, and for safety the people followed single file. Then pack horses followed these trails, widening them. Later came wagons, and the trails became dirt roads and then highways. If they were smart, the first white men who wanted to venture into new territory asked the native indians who had been there before. They had blazed a trail already and knew which path to take.

The point is, when we follow the well-traveled paths of those that have gone before us, we have assurance that we will get to our intended destination safe and sound. Unfortunately, there are times we are prideful or stubborn and believe we can get where we want to go by blazing our own trail (doing things our own way). This is a risky choice. When faced with a crossroad, we are advised to “ask” and rely on the wisdom of those that have already been there and done that.

3. Take the good path and enjoy the results!

Once you have learned which way is best, the Lord says, “travel its path.” The result? “You will find rest for your souls.” Obviously, taking the good, Godly path—the one that leads to life—will provide you safety and security. Today’s reading from Our Daily Bread ends with this admonition: “As God’s men and women, let’s make certain we cut a righteous, wise, and clear trail. Then if ongoing generations choose to follow, the trail can become a highway—an ongoing legacy to God’s glory.”

J.T. Bean
Email: jamestbean@gmail.com 
Twitter: @58beans
YouTube Channel: JTBeanScenes

Facing Your Fears

I was watching a documentary on the Biography channel about Mel Gibson recently. No doubt his reputation in Hollywood has been badly damaged by his frequent battles with alcoholism, outrageous anti-Semitic remarks and some crazy ill-tempered phone messages released by a former girlfriend. However, there is no doubt that Gibson has been a powerful force in the movie industry; first as an actor, then as a director and producer. What I discovered by watching his biography was that his success was fueled by his willingness to take chances that few Hollywood players, even to this day, are willing to take.

I was surprised to find that Mel Gibson is considered as one of Hollywood’s most courageous filmmakers. For instance, Gibson was the first person to be awarded the People Magazine “Most Sexiest Man Alive” designation. Yet, in his directorial debut a few years later, he chose to play the lead role in which his greatest asset was badly disfigured (“The Man Without A Face”, 1993). His next acting/directing endeavor involved a little-known 13th-century Scottish warrior named William Wallace (“Braveheart”, 1995). Following that, Gibson risked failing badly with his decision when directing “The Passion of the Christ” to hire unknown actors, as well as using subtitles with a script entirely in Aramaic and Latin. These are not decisions that are considered “safe” bets in the big business of Hollywood moving making.



What was interesting to me about all this was when he was asked in an interview why he seemed inclined to embark upon such risky projects that go against the traditional blueprint for Hollywood success. In his answer he spoke of a friend who challenged him once by saying to him: “Guess what happens when you don’t take a chance?...Nothing.”

That quote stood out to me in the Gibson biography because it challenges me to adopt the same mentality. I believe there is pressure for all of us to choose the safest, less risky path because if offers us the assurance of the least possible resistance. In other words, playing it safe is easy. Taking risks requires great effort. And too often we resist that extra effort and chicken out. We take the path that requires the least out of us. And in so doing, provides us with the least opportunity to grow.

Those who are courageous are willing to face their fears, undaunted by the prospect of failure. Sure it is an option, but the rewards are deemed worth the risks. So if you don’t want more out of life...do nothing. If you don’t want to grow...do nothing. If you want to linger in disoriented mediocrity...do nothing.

But guess what happens when you take a chance?...Something...Maybe everything!

I gotta grow!

J.T. Bean

Email: jamestbean@gmail.com
Twitter: @58beans
YouTube Channel: JTBeanScenes

Lessons from the Movie: "The King's Speech"

Just before the 2011 Oscars event, I went to see one of the movies nominated for Best Picture. I had heard through word of mouth that “The King’s Speech” was a good film and so, on a whim, a friend and I went to see it. I was hoping for a good show and I must say I was not disappointed. It is one of those rare films that lives up to it's reputation. The film dominated the Oscars being nominated for twelve Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Colin Firth).

Firth plays Prince Albert the Duke of York, and later (after ascending to the throne) King George VI. The film is set in England in the late 1920’s and 30’s leading up to the impending British conflict with Nazi Germany and Adolph Hitler. The basic characters and plot elements are true although many of the details of the film are altered for dramatic effect.

To summarize the plot, as Prince Albert, the Duke realizes that public speaking and radio broadcasts are emerging as an important responsibility for the monarchy. This is a problem since he possesses a horrendous "peach inspediment". So he reluctantly employs the help of an unconventional speech therapist named Lionel Logue from Australia (played by Geoffrey Rush, known by many for his portrayal of Captain Barbossa in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films).

A friendship between the two men develops, reminding me of the relationship that Matt Damon and Robin Williams portrayed in the 1997 film “Good Will Hunting”. Although Logue is not a psychiatrist as Williams was in GWH, he gives off the same kind of unorthodox vibe. And although Prince Albert’s world is a universe apart from Matt Damon’s Will Hunting, they are both damaged men in need of repair.

After his father’s death, and his brother’s abdication of his right to the throne, the weight of the entire Monarchy is suddenly thrust on Albert’s shoulders. He is shortly thereafter crowned King George VI of England. It is at this point where the tension in the film builds and the King’s relationship with his friend and therapist is tested. In the end, the friendship prevails and the King must prepare for a national speech to unite and inspire the British people as war with Germany becomes a foregone conclusion.

What I loved about the film was the story of how a stammering British monarch overcame his fear and insecurity to help his nation rise up to meet the challenge of confronting the threat of war. History tells us that England at that time was weak. Prime Minister Chamberlain had routinely conceded to Germany’s demands in order to avoid getting involved in the war. But now when the conflict was unavoidable, the nation needed a strong leader to rally them together. 

Unfortunately, the Prime Minister was the essence of weakness, and the other British symbol of power--the Monarchy--was recovering from controversy and presently in the hands of an unproven stammering potentate. Winston Churchill was in the wings, but the nation needed someone at that moment to help them find their “voice”--to realize who they were and what they stood for in a time of crisis.

Throughout the movie, Firth’s character displayed a remarkable perseverance in overcoming his speech problems. It was evident that Logue believed in him and consistently spurred him to triumph over his impediment. This was important because life growing up in the royal family was so lonely for Albert that when told by Logue “That’s what friends are for”, the King replied, “I wouldn’t know.”  As sad and lonely as growing up a royal was, the King desperately needed a confidant that he could trust--someone who would challenge him, strengthen him, and lead him on a path of self-improvement.

The movie expertly portrayed a growing friendship between the two men. It reminded me of my own life and those who have stood by me in facing my challenges. How I have appreciated their support, prayers and encouragement. And in light of that, it has forced me to ask: Who am I taking under my wing and helping to find their “voice”? 

Every one of us has issues to confront and obstacles to overcome. It is almost impossible to face the challenges of life alone. We need others who will believe in us, give us the benefit of the doubt, and not give up on us. And each of us needs to look for others in need of support and encouragement. We all need to find our “voice” and assist others in doing the same.

J.T. Bean

Email: jamestbean@gmail.com

Twitter: @58beans

YouTube Channel: JTBeanScenes

Lessons From a Lifelong Learner

So many people are obsessed with self-improvement these days. Overall, I think that's a good thing. I'd be worried if it were the other way around. You certainly wouldn't want to live in a society that was obsessed with self-diminishment. I too am working to improve myself daily. That's why in my most exceptional moments, I like to define myself as a "lifelong learner." What does that look like? Well, when you have the attitude that your schooling didn't stop when you stopped going to school, then you are on a path to growing and improving your life every day. The fact is, most of the important lessons in life are not learned in school at all. You learn you most important lessons in the context of your family, your job, the athletic field, or while enjoying your favorite activities in life. You also learn in the midst of conflict, crisis, disappointment and failure.

Everyday is a classroom when you commit to being a "lifelong learner." There's always a lesson to learn, a test to pass, a new discovery, a grade you've earned, and a next level to which you graduate. As I reflect on this, I am challenged by the barriers and self-designed roadblocks that keep me from growing. There are three things that I think keep us from moving forward and taking the next steps in life. They are:

1.  Pride... Believe it or not, many people stay stuck where they are in life because they don't think they need to improve. When you think you know it all, that's pride. No one ever "arrives" at perfection in life. There is always room for improvement. So if you think you don't need a refresher course, think again. Life has a way of dragging you back to the same situations that you've failed to learn in the past (kind of like the movie "Groundhog Day") until you get it right!

2.  Doubt... Another big barrier to personal improvement is self-doubt. We doubt that we can do it. Whether it's losing weight, becoming a parent, or starting a new job, we often sabotage our efforts with fearful thoughts of inadequacy. When faced with setbacks, a cynic believes that action in response to their doubts is useless because nothing is ever going to change. That is an “I give up” attitude and it is not going to lead to solutions.

3.  Time... Very often, people want to change, they want to find solutions, but they're too busy to make it happen. And if anyone wants to take on a new challenge, there is always a time commitment that must be made. No one on earth has more time than anybody else. It's an equal-opportunity commodity that must be managed in order to be maximized. Something always needs to be sacrificed in order to make time for self-improving efforts.

There are other barriers to growth and improvement that my list may have sparked in your mind. Whatever it is, my encouragement is to search for ways through these barriers. It takes a change of mind, a mental toughness, and a steadfast devotion to achieving your goals that will get you to the next level of growth. Until then...

I gotta grow!

J.T. Bean

Email: jamestbean@gmail.com

Twitter: @58beans

YouTube Channel: JTBeanScenes

Positive People Prevail

It’s no surprise that optimism breeds success. Optimism is also known as a “glass half full” mentality. This mentality is understood best through the story of identical twin boys. One was always happy and upbeat. The other was constantly negative and complaining. The contrast between the boys was so pronounced that the parents decided to seek help from a psychologist to see how to best deal with this imbalance between them.

The counselor learned that they had a birthday in just a few weeks and suggested that the parents buy gifts that would counteract the tendencies in their personalities. So for the pessimist, the parents were instructed to purchase top-quality expensive gifts that most children only dream of getting. And to the optimist, the counselor suggested they buy him a huge pile of horse manure.

The parents thought this was an intriguing idea and certainly worth a try. When the boys’ birthday finally came, the twins were separated and given their special gifts in rooms across the hall from each other. 

In the first room, the negative boy right on cue began to complain. As he opened up his new laptop, he moaned: “I wonder how long it will be before this thing crashes.” And when he opened up his new iPod, and whined: "I don't like this color.” And of his remote control monster truck: “My friend Stevie got a bigger car than this.” 

Disappointed, but not surprised, the parents turned their attention to their happy little twin. Surely he must be raising a stink about his filthy heap of dung disguised as a birthday gift.

Tiptoeing across the hall the parents peeked in and saw their little optimist gleefully throwing the manure up in the air. They were amazed to find that he was smiling and laughing, almost singing: "You can't fool me! With this much manure, there's gotta be a pony under here!"

Although some people seem to be genetically predisposed to certain attitudes, the point is, life’s circumstances can always be twisted one way or the other. You can choose to look at life as empty of enjoyment or full of fun. Your attitude is ultimately a choice that you make. And which person (the optimist or pessimist) will be more likely to succeed? The answer is crystal clear. When life becomes difficult, the pessimist grumbles and gives up, while the optimist presses on and prevails!

J.T. Bean

Email: jamestbean@gmail.com  

Twitter: @58beans

YouTube Channel: JTBeanScenes