Asserting behavior is on the rise, big time. Even if we’re “right,” we need to discern situations with God’s help so that we don’t fall prey to the enemy’s traps.
The other day, I was right behind a Cadillac Escalade. We were traveling on a two-lane road that was being worked on so barriers were funneling drivers into one lane about 400 yards up the road. I was already in the correct lane to drive through the road work area ahead. The accelerating Escalade had flown past me and quickly got in front of me. I could tell the driver was aggressive and impatient and sensed I should back off from them by leaving some distance between the two of us.
After about another 100 yards, another car came up on my right and quickly passed by hoping to pass the Escalade before we all reached the area where cars had to merge into my lane or hit the barriers in the right lane. The Escalade driver was not going to let the Nissan Altima in. No way. I was far enough behind the Escalade so that the Altima could easily slip into my lane. But, the Altima was not going to drop in behind the Escalade. The race was on. Sure enough, the Altima ran out of room in the right lane and smacked into the Escalade with the entire side of their car. Pretty bad road rage situation.
Lately, in the news, I’ve been seeing more trouble with plane passengers fighting like the incident Burbank, California yesterday.
People are becoming more aggressive in store checkout lines even butting in front of others who’ve been waiting patiently. Amazing.
Society is becoming more and more troubled and out of control. I can sense we’re on the brink of some real problems in the world. People seem to not care any more and are doing whatever they want to make sure they’re wishes are known and met. Selfishness is becoming the rule. Compromise is vanishing. Grace is disappearing. Love is giving into hate.
I share this with you not to discourage you but to encourage you to let not your heart be troubled. We’re going to see those who don’t know Jesus succumb to their troubled hearts and we need to be careful that we’re maintaining a close relationship with Jesus so we don’t get tricked into entering into this troubled, end times world. Satan’s baiting us and would like nothing more than for us to jump into the troubled mess he’s cooked up.
When the two cars smacked together, I have to admit, it was really weird. I couldn’t believe what I’d just witnessed. I thought, “Man, this world is getting even more crazy.” It was then that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and told me to back off, to let go of any of my own aggressive tendencies, to calm down, and to let His peace reign in my heart. The Holy Spirit meant that He’s watching over me and that I must yield to Him today to keep from getting harmed by this world’s troubles. He told me not to let a macho, California spirit of aggression cause me to make decisions that could harm me and my wife. I was really thankful for His words of wisdom. I pray all the time and ask God to keep me from falling into the trap of the spirits that are coming on this world to bring destruction to many.
Please, if you sense your rights are being violated and that aggression is mounting in you, back off and take a moment to let God reign in you before proceeding. It could really mean the difference between great harm and safety.
There are so many Bible passages that help us discern the times we’re living in and how we should conduct ourselves to keep us in Christ, in His protection and care. I’ve listed just a few below.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.
Proverbs 14:16
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
Be still, and know that I am God:
Psalm 46:10
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
Colossians 3:15a
God bless,
Mark