Before You're Outraged...

Twenty-first century folks seem to enjoy a good outrage; thus, we are outraged with our government officials, outraged with our employers, outraged with co-workers, outraged with…and the list goes on and on. Perhaps it is wise to take a look at the definition of this reaction so prevalently practiced: “Outrage: a powerful feeling of resentment or anger aroused by something perceived as an injury, insult, or injustice.” Within this simple definition, there are four words that should weigh heavily and bring pause to followers of Christ as we consider the appropriate reactions to events of life.

Perceived

Perception is the process by which we take in information and weigh it against what is believed to be the motive behind the action; thus, perception is extremely subjective. Consider this in light of tribal perceptions illustrated in the closing days of Canaan’s conquest (Joshua 22:10-34). The two-and-one-half tribes who took land possession on the east side of the Jordan built a large and impressive altar. The western tribes, upon hearing of this, perceived that their brethren were quickly slipping into idolatry and actually began assembling troops for war! Fortunately, talking preceded fighting and it was learned that there was no idolatry involved; they simply desired to build an “altar of witness” to remind later generations that they, too, were a part of this holy nation.

Christians must maintain great caution in this business of assigning motives. As Paul schooled the Corinthian brethren on the need for love, he stated, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (13:7). While there is much to be learned from this single verse, the message that we should think the very best of someone until proven otherwise shines out like a star at twilight. In other words, Christians are optimists. This does not mean we adopt a Pollyanna attitude that ignores reality; it simply means we desire to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Thus, there is no “amassing of troops” until the full story has been heard and the real motive behind the action is revealed; there are no casualty-littered beaches because of a misinterpretation of motive. Sadly, human history is filled with those, both young and old, who were unfairly accused because of another’s faulty perception. May every Christian reject this mercenary mentality!

Feelings

Perception creates feelings and feelings often determine our course of action. Perhaps another definition is in order:  “Feeling: a belief, especially a vague or irrational one.” It is certainly not uncommon to hear a statement such as “I felt like it was the right thing to do” given as a defense for a poor response or action. While feelings are not necessarily bad, they can wreak havoc if guided solely by misguided perception and undisciplined emotion. It is for this reason that the Apostle Paul lists self-control as a part of the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:23). The message of the Bible, therefore, is that response should be based on solid evidence and guided by the principles found in godliness; never should we act based solely on how, emotionally speaking, we feel. Outrage, many times, rests on the faulty foundation of misguided emotion; it is produced by feelings within self that are not under control. This was well-illustrated in reaction to the teachings of Paul and Barnabas: “But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district” (Acts 13:50). The hearers’ faulty understanding of the truth led to outrage and this outrage had eternal implications for their souls. May the people of God never fall into such a trap, seeking to destroy anyone perceived to be in opposition to personal feelings.

Resentment and Anger

Within the definition of outrage, these two words are linked, and for good reason! Resentment feeds anger and anger feeds resentment; in this they are inseparable.  Resentment describes a hardness of feeling that seeks an opening to express displeasure. Anger provides that opening. When the foursome of faulty perception, unchecked feelings, resentment, and anger combine – beware! Because of this danger, the Apostle Paul admonished the Galatian Christians with this warning: “But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:15). Somewhat like the Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat in the child’s poem “The Duel,” such attitudes lead to a spirit that seeks to destroy another and, in the process, destroy oneself; in the end, there is nothing left.

Christians must be different. It is for this reason that the Lord gives a strong warning about anger and resentment: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Anger is often the villain, leading to not only hard feelings but potential spiritual harm. The people of God, therefore, do not seek the opportunity to allow anger to strike; we instead turn to the example of Jesus Christ. As our Lord, we endure patiently, bear wrong for a higher good, and desire the very best for all of mankind. We do not see a need to allow a foothold for anger, knowing that our Father will respond perfectly to all matters of vengeance. In the face of “injury, insult, or injustice,” the need for outrage quickly diminishes and the child of God is free to pursue those things that lead to peace.

Conclusion

Little good can be accomplished in outrage. Every Christian should undergo a thorough self-examination to determine if corrections may need to be made due to a lapse in self-control which has left spiritual injury in its wake. Have young souls been discouraged? Have older souls been weakened? Has reputation suffered in order to make sure that a point is heard and heard loudly? May each child of God reflect truthfully on the past, make necessary corrections, and set a course for the future that will avoid the spiritually destructive force of misguided outrage.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32