Blogging has its benefits. Over the last 12 months, and through the process of writing 60 or 70 posts for this site, I have finally been able to verbalize what I’m most passionate about. You can too. It starts by answering one simple question.
When I started this blog, there were certain themes running through my mind. I knew that I wanted to write about following well, leading powerfully, loving your family, and living within your means.
As the year progressed, I realized some of the topics were easy to write about, yet others were more burdensome. After 10 months or so, I knew I wanted a fresh start, focusing in on certain topics.
In an effort to save you a year of writing blog posts, I would suggest you stop, and consider the answer to this question:
What makes you angry?
Yes, it’s that simple. Honestly, I should have started with this question a year ago. Now that I am in the final stages of creating my new blog, the posts will be an outflow of those areas in life that I am most passionate.
Here are some of my answers to this question:
1. Grown men who act like little boys. This comes in many shapes and sizes. I get sickened by adults who skirt their responsibilities as husbands or fathers. They have no idea how deep and wide the wake of destruction is they leave behind.
2. Boys who have incredibly deep wounds, most likely caused by the words and actions of their deadbeat dads. (see #1) I can’t watch movies that somehow tell the stories of boys that have been abandoned, hurt, or abused by others. I get mad. I’ve spent time with too many young people over the years, and have heard first-hand stories of the pain they carry.
3. Weak or unjust leadership. People need leaders; but not just any type of leaders. They need people who can lead with wisdom and justice, all the while putting others’ needs before their own. I hate when I see poor leadership. And I don’t mean just leaders making decisions I don’t agree with. I mean weak, self-centered, arrogant, unjust worldly leadership.
4. Leaders that don’t follow. Leadership is only half the story. When Jesus first called his disciples, he called them to follow him. Paul, in I Corinthians, invited us to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ. Leaders that always want to be in front and who can’t – in humility – submit themselves to others are dangerous.
5. Legalism. Said simply, the way we try to create rules, hurdles or hoops to jump through that in doing somehow “earn” us favor with God. This is hollow, deceptive, exhausting, and completely not why Jesus came, yet so many know nothing more of christianity than this.
Ok, I need to take a breath. Just thinking through and writing those out have increased my heart rate.
If you are thinking of decisions that would determine direction in your life, I would encourage you to think about the passion that God has given you. Then do something about it.
What comes to mind? How would you answer this simple question of what makes you angry?
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from God. Psalm 62:5
Expectations in others and myself, and not in God, can be the trigger that leads to anger. (for me it is)
see: Proverbs 11:23, 24:14; Psalms 27:14, 39:7, 130:5-6.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee, … Ps. 63:1
Yes, Bobby. Requiring people to supply you with things they can’t supply can stir up bitterness. Great reminder.
Piper sums up my agression: “Of course, we do not use the word cool to describe true greatness. It is a small word. That’s the point. It’s cheap. And it’s what millions of young people live for. Who confronts them with urgency and tears? Who pleads with them not to waste their lives? Who takes them by the collar, so to speak, and loves them enough to show them a life so radical and so real and so costly and Christ-saturated that they feel the emptiness and triviality of their CD collection and their pointless conversations about passing celebrities? Who will waken what lies latent in their souls, untapped–a longing not to waste their lives?”
I am passionate about seeing young people discover life rather than cheap existence. Thanks for the clarifying and thought-provoking exercise.
-Ginger
this is timothy miller.
i recently got mad at my friends for not being the people i thought they should be and when i read this i wondered if the reason i am angry is because i see myself in them and where i have fallen short.
do you think the reason we get angry at others is because we are not the leaders father friends and general person we should be?
Big Tim…
Could be. It could be like Paul’s frustration in Romans 7, when he feels like he is just stuck in some sort of sin behavior. I’m sure present day addictions feel the same way for people.
It could be the Spirit’s conviction, Tim. Your friends’ actions might be more like a mirror, amplifying for you the way you are living, and you don’t like what you see…
am angry when am unable to meet the needs or wants of the people who are poor
Kevin,
I can’t thank you enough for writing such a simple yet powerful article. I have for so long struggled with finding my passion, and I’m 45! My answer to your question is tyranny–similar to your #3 but a little different. Now, to figure out what to do with it! Growing up in a broken home, I share many of your passions. I will definitely be checking out more of your blog.