Contrary to popular myth, anger does not lead to the dark side. There is just one problem. If you are not careful, your anger will place you on a slippery slope and you won’t even see it. For this reason, it is a good idea to learn how to put a check on your anger. Would you like to learn how to do that?
I would like to invite you to keep reading my review of Dr. Charles Stanley’s “Surviving in an Angry World: Finding Your Way to Personal Peace“. I would like to share some very useful insights into anger that I’ve discovered in Dr. Stanley’s book. Though it was written in 2010, Stanley’s insights are still quite valuable.
Do you have a pulse? If so, you are human and do get angry. Anger is a normal human emotion and there is a purpose for it. Anger is meant to propel you forward when facing danger or injustice. The problem is not our anger; rather, it is in how we respond. If you and I are not careful, our anger can cause far more harm than good.
If you don’t know, Dr. Charles Stanley has been the lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta since 1971. As the book is written in 2010, you can bet that Dr. Stanley had to deal with a wide variety of situations related to anger. With this in mind, it is a pleasure to both read the e-book version and listen to Dr. Stanley’s narration of his book.
As Charles Stanley points out in the first chapter, it would help to start with a working definition of anger. Here’s a quote from his book:
I define anger as a strong, intense feeling of displeasure, hostility, or indignation resulting from a real or imagined threat, insult, injustice or frustration to you or other who are important to you.
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With this in mind, how are you in handling your anger? I, for one have not always done a good job. Sometimes, I don’t get angry when I should get angry. The problem is in how I choose to respond. It is my poor response that has given the Devil an opportunity for mischief. How about you?
If so, you and I are the ones that Dr. Stanley is talking to, in his book. If you are wondering, Charles Stanley is called Dr. Stanley because of his Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary in Florida (now located in Lithonia, Georgia). In “Surviving in an Angry World”, Dr. Stanley does not just talk about his own insights. You will also hear from medical professionals that he has contacted, over the years.
You may be tempted to think you’re going to do a deep dive into a long-winded sermon on anger. I finished listening to the audiobook and it’s nothing like that. I mention this fact because not everyone has the experience of listening to his message on his “In Touch” broadcast or read one of his books. The book is written for the average person who wants to get a handle on his anger.
Because of my personal issues with anger, I felt that it would be a good idea to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to search my heart and help me with any issue that may arise. I honestly believe God was using this book to help me to better understand my own issue with anger. In saying this, I’d like to make a suggestion to you.
Books like these are a great help in gaining insights into what is going on in your heart. Sometimes, they can provide invaluable tips or ideas for dealing with your own issues of anger. There is just one problem. The good ones are not meant to be used like a magic wand or a quick fix. Did you notice that I asked the Holy Spirit for help?
I asked for help because I do know the potential for self-justifying one’s anger and claim “I don’t have a problem!” Oh? Really? Dr. Stanley did mention that we should approach this with an open mind and listen to those closest to us. Yes, the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart to seek help from wise counsellors, in the past.
If your church has a ministry centering on inner healing then I’d recommend this book for their library of recommended book. Of course, I would not suggest this book for everyone dealing with anger. Here’s why. The other day, I came across a review left by a grieving mother. Guess what? Her anger came from the death of an adult child.
In this dear woman’s case, I would rather have pointed to a book or counseling session centering on grieving and not anger. Don’t be afraid to ask Jesus for the right way to handle this. Don’t hesitate to talk with your church pastor or someone who is trained in biblical counseling.
Still, the book is not without value because Dr. Stanley does talk about the need for forgiveness and the need to let go of the anger. Regardless of the source of your anger, it is vital that you work on these two steps or get help. Anger is of no value if you insist on holding on to it.
I am including a video review of this book as it may bring value to this article. I actually am not sure of where the best place to put it. The end of the article seems to be a good spot.
I can’t end this article and not encourage to talk with God about whatever is angering you. This includes your anger at God. He already knows and it won’t surprise him.
Yes, Dr. Stanley does cover that topic, too. Yes, the author is thorough and the book is a definite read.
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