Ready:
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check.” – 잠언 29:11
Set:
What role does anger have in sports? When an athlete gets angry at a teammate or opponent, does that bring about the best results—not just in the athlete’s immediate performance but also in his or her life over the long haul? When a coach speaks angrily to an official, is that a helpful model for players—and the parents and other spectators who may follow the coach’s lead?
We may view anger as a normal part of the competitive environment. Or we may be tempted to rationalize anger as an unavoidable response to the failure of teammates, players, officials or others to do what they’re supposed to do. But is speaking or acting out of anger wise?
Multiple passages in Proverbs teach that it is foolish to allow unfavorable circumstances to trigger an angry response in us. If we feel like we have to control our situation and have things go a certain way for life to be okay, we get angry when this isn’t happening. When we’re insulted or challenged by someone, we feel like we have to protect ourselves and fight for our rights. When something feels unfair or our expectations are not being met, we fly off the handle because we think our wellbeing is threatened. We express our anger in unhelpful, unhealthy and hurtful ways.
Wise people recognize God is in control and He is with us. We can trust Him with unfavorable circumstances. When something triggers the emotion of anger, we’re careful to remember what is true. We can be confident in God’s presence and protection—so we no longer feel the need to protect ourselves or fight for our rights when someone pushes our buttons. Our identity is defined by Christ, not what others say or do to us—so we can stay calm when insulted. We know that God is ultimately in control. Our life and our future are secure in Him—so we can quietly hold back rather than venting anger.
There will always be situations in sports and life that can make you feel angry. Wise competitors carefully guard against allowing anger to have a foolish, destructive role in how they speak, act or react. Instead, let the truth of God’s sovereignty and His presence with you dictate your response to potential triggers, enabling you to hold your anger in check.
Go:
When are you tempted to speak and act out of anger rather than holding it in check?
How does knowing the truth about God’s sovereignty, presence, and protection help you trust Him in situations that can trigger anger?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You because You are slow to anger and abounding in love and compassion. When I am tempted to respond in anger, I pray that I would instead look to You and trust You. I desire to speak and act wisely so that You are honored. Amen.”