by Pastor John Kim
To the LBC Family!
Jonathan Edwards Resolution #59
Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.
*It has been over a year since I last wrote on Jonathan Edwards Resolutions so I am going to do my best to finish them off (there are 70 total) before I leave. So we are picking back up with Resolution #59.
There are times when people or circumstances might provoke us to anger or just a bad mood as people can often say things or do things that are not very encouraging. Sarcastic comments, biting remarks, blatant disregard, can rile up a person quickly. As parents we can let the disobedience of our children draw us into anger. In marriage, the expectations that have gone unmet can result in disappointment that degenerates into frustration and impatience. Friends sometimes say things that completely throw you for a loop and it ruins our day. But here is where we must always remember we have a choice – we are never forced into anger or forced into a bad mood. Yes, our emotions might not always be in line with how we know we should act, but we must again remember that it is acting upon what we know to be true that we must start with the truth engaging our mind and through the power of the Holy Spirit, provide the right motives and desires that would drive our obedience before God to truly be genuine and honoring before Him. That’s why Edwards even makes the comment that while we might feel it is disadvantageous to choose to act in a “good-naturedly” way, maybe seem even imprudent, he would rather strive to FEEL and ACT in such a way at those times to manifest good nature.
A good nature can only be truly good if God is at the center of it. God is good – His goodness must be the basis for any kind of goodness that I would manifest or it would not glorify God. That’s why we must be slow to anger (James 1:19-20) because the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
We also need to remember that we can’t simply “psych” ourselves up to feel better. The only way to feel and act in a good way is to do so with the truth of God guiding us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We must submit our mind, heart, and will to the Spirit of God by being willed with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) so that our response to provocation would be an authentic Spirit-filled act that brings glory to God. It definitely is not a convenient or easy thing to do but one that would not only manifest the love of Christ (love is patient and kind – 1 Corinthians 13:4), but it would definitely defuse many a
volatile situation and bring peace.
So my prayer is this week that you would meditate on this thought and consider how you will respond differently when provoked to anger – see it as an opportunity to share the love of Christ!
Until the whole world hears!
Pastor John
Announcements for this week:
- Friday Night Bible studies continue: Youth (7pm in Room 107), College Life at UCSD (7pm), Single Life (7pm in the sanctuary – elder Peter Lim speaking this Friday!)
- Pray for Mike Hasegawa and Jennifer Shin as they get married this Saturday!
- Prepare your hearts for this Sunday as we go through John 8. Take time to read the whole chapter several times to become familiar with the text.
- Sunday School classes continue this Sunday during 2nd hour. If you have not chosen a class to attend, start this Sunday!
- Baptism Service this Sunday (Feb 21) at 6pm. Come out and witness the testimonies of those who will be confessing their faith in Christ. It is a wonderful time to celebrate what God has done to save His people.
- Be in prayer for Pastor Jorge, Norma, and Josue as they travel from Tucuman, Argentina to spend a few weeks with our church family starting February 26 (Friday). There will be more information given this Sunday as to how you can contribute to covering the costs for their visit as we are investing in their family to attend the Shepherds Conference as well as to minister to our church family. There will also be opportunities to host their family for meals so stay tuned!