While working on this coming weekend’s message regarding anger, I’ve come upon a very interesting and even sinister problem that lies just beneath the surface of my heart.

There are times our anger is a result of injustice in the world. That’s fine. We should be angry about starving or abused children. We should get steamed over racism and a host of other social problems.

However, much of my anger comes from one huge problem. I didn’t even realize it until I was trying to figure out how to tell you what’s wrong with all of you. (ha)

Are you ready for this? Here it is. Too many times I think I am the center of the universe! That’s it. Now, before you brush that off, let me explain.

• I get mad when someone pulls out in front of ME in traffic. The audacity!
• I get upset when someone brings 22 items into the speed checkout line at the grocery store…and they’re standing right in front of ME. Appalling!
• I get steamed when I have to repeat myself because someone, anyone, wasn’t listening to ME the first time! Seriously!?!?
• I said, “I get steamed when I have to repeat myself…”

Do you see where this is going? I’m stupidly selfish when it comes to the things that inconvenience me. Getting MAD over most of this stuff just shows how selfish and self-centered I really am.

I still need to talk to all of you this weekend about anger, but for now…I have some things to work on myself.

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” (Proverbs 29:11 NIV)