June 4: CHILDREN AND ANGER

Where is all this anger coming from in these young people? This is not a war-torn country, victimized by ethnic cleansing that can release unbelievable anger, kids “acting out” in horrible ways. This is in suburbia, the area of spoiled children who have had so much material advantage, yet are consumed with anger. Where does it come from? I think there are three sources.
The first source is our sinful nature, in rebellion against God. “Fits of rage” is on the list of the characteristics of a person without God in control. (Galatians 5:20 NIV)
The second source is the breakdown of the family. Children suffering the pain of divorce have to deal with anger. They are angry at the parent who deceived their mom or dad, they are angry at the parent who gave them up, they are angry at the parent who wasn’t faithful, they are angry at the parent who put their selfish desire before child nurture. This list is long.
The third source is the example of adults. What do you see adults doing? Angrily shouting at one another, or even physically attacking one another? Blowing the horn excessively in traffic? “Flipping-off” the people in the next car? Shouting profanity at the Little League umpire? Heatedly criticizing the Church leadership?
The list gets longer as we consider all the “adult acts” that children copy. It is not wonder that there is very little respect for the law! Even church softball games get forfeited because of angry adults. Prime-time sporting events on TV are truly shameful.
In this kind of world, children don’t have a chance. They are told not to get angry and have temper tantrums but are not taught ‘how” to do it.
Yes, it is a spiritual issue. Insecurity breeds anger, so does fear. Only God can give peace, and constraint to an angry heart. To represent Jesus we must not be quick-tempered or violent. (Titus 1:7 NIV) Children are entrusted to us by God for their care and nurture.

“O God, the vile demon of anger is always pushing us to make a fool
of ourselves. May we realize our hopelessness and give anger to You.
Amen”