Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit?

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm."

                                                                Psalm 37:8   NKJV

Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit? This was a quotation from Dr SM Lockeridge, a Baptist pastor deceased. It is one of those phrases, that speak to you as you are reading it. If you go one step further and speak it out, it can help to dampen a fiery moment. Let me explain.

When we operate in anger and frustration, it totally ruins and negates everything we stand for as a Christian. Dr Tony Evans, a minister from the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas writes: "A man who is quick tempered does not provide the kind of righteousness which God expects from His children. Those who lose their temper give people a wrong impression about Christianity." 

Therefore, we need to adhere to Ephesians 4:31: 'Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Again James puts it this way: 

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of man does not produce, the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20. The anger that springs from self-centredness, does not accomplish the righteousness of God, but is conducive only to malice and destruction. Therefore, there is a need to listen to God's thoughts on a matter,  such as learning to be slow to speak our own point of view, and avoid certain anger.

Remember the three R's that I mentioned some time ago? Recognise what is happening; Refuse to react in a negative way, and Resist any form of temptation to take the matter into your own hands, causing a scene. Of course, this takes time to put into place but helps to attain to 'Will my flesh rule this Moment, or my spirit.'

Once words are spoken, we can't takes them back. Therefore, imagine the damage caused if we speak angrily to someone. There is a need to take control of this area. If you determine to do so, God will meet you square on. But, we must make the first move. A good place to start is to take Dr Lockeridge’s statement and write it in your bible and then, with the three R's and whatever scripture may help, present this in prayer to God each day. If you trip up, repent immediately and receive God's forgiveness. When faced with a difficult situation, straightaway ask the question, 'Will my flesh rule this moment or my spirit?'

If you can keep to this formula you will be in a better place to receive the victory over anger.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.