Defusing The Anger Trap

Stephen Arterburn

Would you like to hear one of life’s great paradoxes? The more we learn to be satisfied with what we have and stop comparing our financial score card and trophies with those around us, the better we feel about ourselves. In other words, the biblical discipline of learning and practicing contentment shows the masculine myth of ‘I-Am-What-I-Earn’ to be a lie.

In Philippians 4:11-12, the apostle Paul wrote: ‘I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.’ Learning to be satisfied is a good indication that we’ve learned that God is God, and that His fatherly care and infinite wisdom can be trusted.

Furthermore, men who learn to be satisfied and thankful for what they’ve been given will have more time and energy for the kinds of nurturing relationships that will meet their basic needs. Guys, if you think about it, you’ll find that your attitude toward money and possessions either fuels or cools your anger. If you have trouble living within your means, you really have two options: you can push harder to make more, or you can promote an atmosphere of contentment for what you have, and in so doing, relieve the pressure on yourself.