Tag: Honesty

Anger

February 7, 2026

We come to the third life lesson. The first two were stupidity and fear. Go back to October Twenty-Fifth and November 7, 2025, to check out those columns. The first two can trigger anger. We are told “Refrain from anger” in Psalm 37:8

We may tell people that we are not angry when we are frustrated or upset about something. Define the word “a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.” Are you mad and just do not want to admit it? Let’s be honest with ourselves and each other. That’s what we discussed in the first two columns. Being real about our own stupidity and fear.

We must do the same with our anger. I have been working for years to control mine. I am not always successful. My anger is usually with myself for something that I have done or failed to do. That and stupid people. But, as I said in the first article in this series, we are all stupid at times, especially me.

Proverbs 14:16 says that “A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.” None of us can always prevent getting angry. Working on not letting our tempers get the better of us can be difficult. Nahum 1:3 tells us that the Lord is slow to anger.

This is proven by the patience He has shown the Israelites, David, us, and His other followers. Remember how he told Peter to get behind Him and referred to him as Satan. (Mark 8:33, Matthew 16:23) This was prompted by an unwillingness to accept that Jesus must give His life for us.

Paul tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger. (Ephesians 4:26) This is just before his exposition on how we should treat our wives, husbands, and children. He tells us in the sixth chapter of this book not to make our children mad at us. (Ephesians 6:4)

James tells us in his letter that our anger does not accomplish his purposes. The scriptures are full of examples of anger against others, causing us more problems. Stop and think about times you did not hold onto yours. How’d that work for you?

To me, stupidity, fear, and anger are all interrelated. When we do something stupid, it is because of fear or anger. We are all foolish, afraid, and get mad from time to time. These are words that mean many different things to many of us. I wanted to remind all of you, and myself, of what these emotions can do to you. God loves us despite any problems we may have.

©Copyright 2026 by Charles Kensinger

Don’t Ask, don’t tell.

May 11, 2025

This article is not about what you just thought when you read the headline. There is nothing here about homosexuals or the military.  If you are truly interested in the phrase “Don’t ask. Don’t tell.” keep reading. This is not just a Springfield problem or a Christian concern. All human beings are guilty of these two errors. Asking someone a question and not really wanting to listen to the answer.

Walk down any street anywhere in the world and stop a stranger and ask the question, “How are you?” In Germany, you can say, “Vie Geht’s?” Every culture and language has one of these overtaxed phrases that are used when you are not the least bit interested but want to appear to be. While the same words can come from the mouth of one who is concerned, often the phrase is only a greeting and does not truly mean that the other person cares.

In churches, supermarkets, Wal-Mart or bars you experience the same concern or lack thereof.  Often Christians are as guilty of treating each other and non-Christians with the same nonchalance. Try this the next time you think someone is truly asking about your health, disposition, or financial status, tell them how you really are. 

This has been preached from pulpits with ministers telling their congregations they should be more concerned and interested in others because Jesus was. The good results usually end when someone is greeted by the same pastor who preached it and his eyes glaze over and he responds with some cliches like, “I’m sorry. I hope next week is better for you.” and turns away.

“Little Christ” is what Christianity means. Using Him as an example His followers must show the concern that He demonstrated with the Samaritan woman at the well. He went to that well specifically to see her. Then she was perplexed that a Jew would ask her as a Samaritan and a woman for a drink, He explained to her who He was and why He did not act like the Jews that she had seen before. He set a new standard for those who followed Him. Has this been forgotten in the Church?

Remember not to ask a question, if you do not want to take the time to hear the answer. Don’t ask the question, if you are uninterested in the answer.  Don’t tell people you care about them and forget to prove it to them. After all, this Springfield is in Missouri and you have to show them.

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger