Danger of Anger by Vince Jones

"Anger without cause." Some spiritual teachers posit that unlike other emotions anger must not just be kept in check but rooted, cast out of our consciousness. Some even going so far as to say Jesus himself commanded it by reinterpreting the teaching from Matthew.

How could this be so? Are we not children of God, cast in His image? Does not God himself demonstrate “anger” not only in the Bible but in virtually all the books of the Great Religions? And what of Jesus who spilled the money changers tables in anger in the temple? Are we supposed then to somehow become greater than Jesus and God even in eschewing anger? A rather tall and unrealistic task, some might even say bordering on hubris.

The key phrase being “anger without cause”. When we take offense at trifling things in life and become angry at clerks, customer service reps, waiters and waitresses, thoughtless drivers, or any of the other myriad daily annoyances that we come into contact with we place ourselves in danger. Additionally when a friend, co-worker, loved one or family member fails to live up to “our” expectations and we demonstrate displeasure or anger we also place ourselves at risk. How is your blood pressure when watching or reading the news?

So the question becomes: At what price peace of mind? Is your serenity worth losing over slow service or a poor lane change? Is serenity worth losing over some failed expectation, hurt feeling, or news report? Recently a man lost his life leaving an Angels baseball game on the ramp leading to the exit, over a “trifle” in hindsight, a tragedy in reality [referring to a tragic fight at an Angel's game - ed.] .

Revenge, getting even, wishing to punish others, resentment and condemnation under any guise are all dangerous paths leading only to strife and away from the source. Be slow to anger, ask if the cause is just in spiritual light. When we do this, we find that the just causes of anger are indeed few.

Consider law enforcement, over ninety percent will never remove their weapon from its holster except at the firing range. So just as with those charged with enforcing secular law, if presented with “just” cause we must be willing to act, directing our anger at the sin, praying for the sinner and those who suffer at their hand, seeking ways to be of service to those suffering. It would be taking the easy way out here to end this piece without attempting to describe a “just” cause of anger.

"Just Cause" is somewhat personal, but I think there are some we can agree on: Any innocent death at the hand of a tyrant, for profit or as a result of an alcohol or drug impaired individual. Any exploited child for any reason. A corporation's callous disregard of health concerns for the sake of profit. Chances are, unlike law enforcement, we will be powerless to act directly in any secular sense, but we can always act spiritually, keeping anger in its proper place and perspective.

When Just Cause enters our consciousness immediately turn to God seeking guidance and intuition, for we are living on a different basis, of trusting and relying upon God, the Spiritual Basis.

- Vince Jones, Sober Living by the Sea Lecturer

See Vince Jones' Blog Thought For the Day to read more of his thoughts about AA and recovery.

BIO: Fifteen years ago I developed a teaching curriculum that emphasizes a return to the roots of the process, to recapture the early success rates. I have worked with over a thousand individuals in the ensuing years and though I was sure at the beginning, I am convinced today that those early success rates can be recaptured for I have seen it happen. Additionally the principles will work for any who are suffering if they are willing, honest and remain open minded. As well as teaching these principles at Sober Living By The Sea I teach them to at risk High School students.