Reading Deadly Viper: Character Assassins hit a little too close to home in a couple of chapters. One was “The Assassin of Amped Emotions”. How many times have we gotten so frustrated or so angry that we have said or done things we regretted as soon as we did them? I know I have gotten much better, but occasionally this ‘assassin’ jumps out and tries to catch me off guard. Not controlling our emotions sneaks in and eats away at our character and our relationships.
“Your emotional outbursts have the power to do a hit job on your reputation and severely undermine your ability to gain and retain the respect of others.” When we feel insecure, when our expectations are not met, and when we focus on our own wants/needs, the emotions get a foothold and if they are not kept in check, they can consume us.
Ask yourself: “What is it like to be on the other end of me?” There are times when I don’t want to know!
Amped emotions are not all bad. We need, though, to target the emotions to things that matter. We need to attack the right things with passion, with energy, and with focus! Martin Luther King said it this way, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”
Where are your amped emotions concentrated? Are they destroying, or helping to make a positive difference?
Filed under: Books, Family, Forgiveness, Friendship, Health, Leadership, Parenting, Single Parent
Before I knew Christ, my emotions – especially the amped ones – were always outwardly directed. While attempting to wear the character of Christ, I see that if I’m having a bad day, there are better ways to deal with it than spewing it all over someone. We lose our crediblity as being Christ-like in these types of situations. If I’m having “one of those days” I usually politely advise people to give me a bit of space so I can process whatever I’m going through. Then … I quickly put on my spiritual armour and let Jesus battle for me. It doesn’t always take effect immediately, but I don’t hurt people because I’m hurting.