Photo by Ming Jun Tan on Unsplash A national park ranger in British Columbia has 2 sets of huge antlers, as wide as a man's reach locked together. Apparently 2 bull moose began fighting and their antlers locked. They could not break free. Essentially, they died of anger.
You've probably heard it said that "Anger can make you do stupid things." What this really means is that when we are angry, our decision-making capability is impaired. A rational person is not likely to punch a hole in the wall. But somehow to an angry person, this can be a good idea?! Normally, we might not fire off a nasty email to the boss, but somehow when we've had a bad day and are frustrated, it feels like the right thing to do.
A "Strategy & Business" article highlights research indicating that angry employees are more likely to increase their commitment to a failing idea. A Harvard Business Review article points to additional studies that show that anger makes people more likely to minimize risk, rely more on stereotypes, reject opposing information and more eager to act. Forbes puts it this way, "Angry leaders are decisive but attracted to simplistic, trigger-happy choices."
The anger itself is not necessarily bad; but "In your anger do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).
Therefore, don't react.
Pause.
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
~ Proverbs 29:11
Pray
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. ~ James 5:13
Wait.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
~ Psalm 27:14
Then...and only then...act.
Growing in wisdom together...
You've probably heard it said that "Anger can make you do stupid things." What this really means is that when we are angry, our decision-making capability is impaired. A rational person is not likely to punch a hole in the wall. But somehow to an angry person, this can be a good idea?! Normally, we might not fire off a nasty email to the boss, but somehow when we've had a bad day and are frustrated, it feels like the right thing to do.
A "Strategy & Business" article highlights research indicating that angry employees are more likely to increase their commitment to a failing idea. A Harvard Business Review article points to additional studies that show that anger makes people more likely to minimize risk, rely more on stereotypes, reject opposing information and more eager to act. Forbes puts it this way, "Angry leaders are decisive but attracted to simplistic, trigger-happy choices."
The anger itself is not necessarily bad; but "In your anger do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).
Therefore, don't react.
Pause.
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
~ Proverbs 29:11
Pray
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. ~ James 5:13
Wait.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
~ Psalm 27:14
Then...and only then...act.
Growing in wisdom together...
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