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“He who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Prov. 14:29

“O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you.” Isa. 25:1

Heavenly Father, what an “ouch” of a contrast these two verses give. It’s possible for me to both exalt you, and exalt folly. Though I’ve never seen it this way, when I’m hasty with temper, quick with irritability, and easily annoyed… (and snail-slow to overlook) … I’m actually exalting “folly.” I’m giving “folly” a platform, microphone, spotlight, and applause. Ouch, indeed.

Intentionally, I only want to exalt you, the Lord Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit. Unintentionally, I have been doing a bit of folly-exalting lately. Where, when, and how?

When I’m driving and in a hurry. Slow moving, smart-phone-talking, rubbernecking drivers are an easy target for my ire, horn blasts, and resentment.

Towards people who exaggerate, misrepresent, gaslight others. It’s one thing to have a healthy, congruent, godly anger. But Father, (and you know this), I’m guilty of “heart homicide”—the judge, jury, and executioner. There’s a better way—a Gospel-way to respond to stuff that deserves a reaction.

When Amazon Prime one-day delivery becomes three days, or when people make choices that inconvenience or complicate my life. Vexing, seething, and “copping an attitude” aren’t my only options. Forgive me. Free me. Be exalted among the nations, and by my attitude.

Father, thank you for the convicting work of your Spirit, and the consoling and transforming power of the Gospel. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ kind and loving name.

 

 

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