Your day didn’t go like you planned or wanted. But why you gotta be like that? Your hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow were dashed against the rocks. But why you gotta be like that? You don’t see anyone living up to your expectations. But why you gotta be like that? I’m serious…why?

Do you think you have the right to make someone else feel as miserable as you do? Well, you’re wrong. Do you think no one else’s pain measures up to yours? Again…you’re wrong. Do you think there isn’t another soul in the world who could possibly understand what you’re going through? Triple play, Sparky. You’re wrong again!

Taking your anguish, your hurt feelings, your frustration out on someone else isn’t right, productive, or justifiable. It’s simply wrong. In fact, it’s a sin…the sin of selfishness. Your anger toward someone else for the shortcomings in your own life is a bold overstatement of your own importance. You ain’t all that…

OK…I’ve beat you over the head with the Truth. Now, it’s time to share the love found in the Truth. Your frustration and anger are symptoms of a deeper problem. Either you’ve decided you don’t need God…or you know you DO need God, but you’re not leaning on His understanding and wisdom. Either way, you’ve got a self-over-God issue you need to deal with. Things might not get better in your life until you do.

I know I’m just a Christian singer songwriter with no particular credentials where your heart is concerned. Fortunately, though, I don’t judge your heart. My judgment, where you’re concerned, can only be made based on your actions…your “fruit,” so to speak. I can only judge what I see. God; however, CAN judge your heart. In fact, He does. So…

How’s your heart?

If you’re a Christian, you’ve asked Jesus into your heart. But maybe you feel your heart is full of anger. Simply put…you’ve pushed Jesus into the corner, metaphorically, and you’ve decided your own wisdom and understanding are quite sufficient…thank you very much.

To that I say…shut up and listen. The Bible puts it more mildly: “be still and know that I am God.” When you listen to the words of wisdom God can and will put into your heart, you’ll be much more likely to “love your neighbor as yourself.” It may not be easy. It may not feel natural. But that’s the point. It’s supernatural, and it always treats the cause…not merely the symptoms…of selfishness.

Next time you feel inclined to snap at someone, ponder first…why you gotta be like that.

In Faith, Hope, and Love,