Scripture warns that Satan works his way into the life of a believer when anger goes unchecked ... Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Anger becomes sinful when it is motivated by self-interest. If someone offends us ... willful pride makes us think, say, or do things we ought not.
The enemy will use it to subtly come in, weaken our testimony, and cripple our walk of faith ... Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
We are to deal quickly with the root cause of our anger and put it away. Strive to 'keep short accounts' ... forgiving people in a timely manner (before the sun goes down). The Word of God commands us to ... be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)
Even if your spiritual life appears to be in order and you're well respected by those who witness your devotion, Satan can gain a foothold when you stubbornly hold on to your so-called 'righteous indignation'. It is all the 'chink in the armor' he needs.
Dwight Pentecost - A mountain climber doesn't require a four-lane highway to reach the top. He can use the smallest foothold and gain victory inch by inch. Likewise, Satan doesn't need a big opening to squeeze his way into your life.
Protect yourself. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ... Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)
You cannot control how others act ... but you can change how you respond to it. Through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, 'ungodly anger' can be put away.
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