A
fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. –Proverns 29:11 (KJV)
Proverbs
29:11 states that a foolish man gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man
keeps himself under control. Something I
have learned over the years is the importance of building into our lives strategies
for properly managing stress. First
on the list is daily prayer and meditation on the Word of God. Next on the list is a healthy diet combined
with regular exercise. Along with these
add proper rest, a healthy sense of humor, pursuing a hobby, and leaning to
keep life and its problems in proper perspective. All these empower us to be more contented, relaxed,
and capable of keeping ourselves under control rather than blowing up at
someone who happened to push us over the edge.
Around
20 years ago I was the pastor of a church in another state. One morning while studying at the church
office I received a call from a telemarketer.
These days I am usually hanging up about the time the telemarketer is
saying, “Good morning Mr. Birchfi…”
However, back then I was younger and willing to listen to the entire spiel
before telling him or her I wasn’t interested and to have a nice day. This individual was with a Christian based
company which sold video Bible study materials.
The man proceeded to explain to me how by purchasing this video series
and showing them to the church I could increase attendance and revolutionize
the church’s ministry.
The
video series was several hundred dollars, but I could examine them for free,
after which time I was certain to be convinced.
My ministry at this church was not going well at that time. The congregation was divided, there were
factions working against each other, and a general sense of discontentment seemed
to pervade everything I was seeking to accomplish. Add to this the fact the church was strapped
financially. I began to explain to the
man that we could not purchase the video series and I lacked the time to review
them anyway. The man’s tone became what I
perceived as combative. He accused me of
not caring about the church or whether or not it grew.
He went on in this vein for a few more moments
when I interrupted him. I said something
like this; “So, you mean to tell me all I have to do is buy these videos and
this will fix everything? (I think I was shouting) How dare you sit in an office 500 miles away
and tell me what will and will not work in this church. I am ending this conversation – goodbye!” I slammed the phone down on the
receiver. I was so agitated I had to
walk around the church grounds a while to gain my composure. Later I recalled what the scripture says
about a wise man keeping himself under control.
I had not done that. All that poor
telemarketer could do was sit there and listen as I blew all my circuits. I am grateful the Lord has since then taught
me how to better handle stress, lest I blow up at someone like I did the telemarketer.
No
doubt you too are having to deal with stress in your life. God understands and will empower you to better
cope with what you are facing. Seek the
Lord each day and do not beat yourself up over past mistakes. There is a brighter day coming as you walk in
faith and victory over the stresses in your life.
God
bless you today.
