Get Angry

In Nehemiah 5 the people cried out because they were suffering in poverty. They were running out of food due to famine and being excessively taxed by the nobles. When Nehemiah heard their outcry he became very angry.

Contrary to belief, anger is a God-given emotion. God gave us the capacity for anger to arouse us against evil and to propel us into action. When anger is controlled and directed in the right way it can lead to positive change. And that’s what happened in Nehemiah’s case.

Nehemiah was angered by the injustice, and because people he cared about were suffering. They needed his help. First, he pondered what to do demonstrating wisdom and control. Then he went directly to the nobles to discuss the problem with them.

We can learn a lot from Nehemiah’s approach. Nehemiah appealed to their humanity. He pointed out how the nobles were mistreating their own people, essentially enslaving them once again. Nehemiah also appealed to their faith. He reminded them they needed to fear God and live beyond reproach as witnesses to their enemies. He was convincing and convicting, while still being compassionate. He was assertive without being aggressive. The nobles agreed with Nehemiah, repented, and cooperated in correcting the situation.

Three things stuck out to me in this passage.

First, how Nehemiah heard the cries for help, got angry, and directed his anger toward positive change. Nehemiah led wisely, boldly, and practically. He also led spiritually keeping in tune with God - praying, praising, and proclaiming his name. He didn’t let his anger get the best of him, nor did he run ahead of God. This is such a temptation for leaders including myself. With the job of leading and the capabilities to do so, sometimes I run ahead of God, strive on my own, and then ask God to bless it later. Sometimes it’s intentional or conscious, but most times it’s not. I just forget. I take off from the gates before thinking or praying. Nehemiah got it right. I need to as well.

Second, that Nehemiah was willing to do exactly what he was asking others to do. He showed that he cared and set an example when he stopped receiving taxes from the people. And he went above and beyond by generously giving back. He set an amazing example.

And third, Nehemiah had the courage to hold himself and others accountable to God. He challenged people to fear God, live out their faith and to be a witness to others. He modeled it as well. As Christian leaders, this is key. We need to be different, to be light in the darkness, to be a fragrant aroma that attracts others.

What makes you angry? What is God prompting you to do about it? What makes you different? I’m asking myself these same questions.