Ahh...These Lead to The Dark Side

By Brian L. Baker

Ok…I admit it…I am a Star Wars fan. I get mesmerized watching Jedi-knights swinging light sabers at one another. Yes, I think the Millennium-Falcon is the coolest ship ever. This past month I happened to catch of the Star Wars movies and the little green wise-guy, Yoda caught my attention.

Yoda makes this statement, “"Beware of the dark side. Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight."

Now…I don’t believe in the force, but I do believe that evil exists and sin is a real issue in our lives. Further, Jesus, the really all-powerful ruler of the universe, addresses the same issues throughout his ministry. Take a look…

• Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth”


• Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment.


• Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”

When we become angry…when we seek our own fulfillment…when we constantly worry, then we put ourselves in a position to be disobedient in our walk with the Lord.

Let’s look at what it means to be MEEK. The dictionary defines MEEK as “humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.” It is easy to let gossip become a provoking stimulus in our lives. We get worked up and upset when we let negative thoughts invade our lives. Being meek in the church means to be humble and patient, even times of adversity. Even when times are rough we must remain calm.

Then there is the issue of ANGER. It is easy to get upset. In fact anger can feel good, especially when we think we are right. However, we should be cautious about our anger. It is easy to get angry in a church full of people with different ideas, hopes, and wants. It is easy to find disagreement. It is easy to dwell on it.

Yet, we are warned about anger. When ANGER becomes the prevailing emotion in our lives, we lose sight of what God can do and what He is doing. Add WORRY to the mix and you will find another stumbling block. There is no doubt that WORRY leads to ANGER and the loss of self control. We let emotions begin to rule our lives rather than the Word of God.

Christians must understand that we will go through difficult times and that the Christian walk is not a joyous, euphoric ride down the yellow-brick road. There will always be monkey’s chasing you. For examples and references see Jacob, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Job, Hosea, and Jonah.

Now…think about this…

In March we had the largest free-will giving month in our church’s history. In a time where we saw dire situations arising, God provide our every need and then some. Look over the past year, and even in adversity God has provided at every turn.

Yet, I heard someone say, “Well, what about the next time we hit a rough spot?” Or better yet, I heard another person say, “The same problems just plague us.”

Welcome to LIFE folks. Why worry about the next time? Jesus warns us about worry…and reminds us that he takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field AND He will take care of our every need. We simply must remain faithful.

Yep, the same problems exist generation after generation. It is funny to hear someone say that because God faced the same complaints from the Israelites time and time again. To paraphrase Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Yes, we will face hard times again JUST LIKE we have faced them in the past. Yet, each time God has provided…and His will has been done.

We are called to do only one thing…be faithful. This is easy to do when things are going good. However, when things get tough what do we do? We quit being meek and we embrace worry, which leads to anger, which leads to complaining. Then we are just like the Israelites asking Moses to take us back to Egypt where we were much better off being slaves.

Oh, my friends and family…my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us strive to shake the bonds of worry and anger. Let us strive to be like Job, faithful and committed to God even in difficult times.

Yes, it may look like we are losing ground. Maybe you feel from time to time that some of the church ministries are falling and crumbling. However, remember Job. Just when it all seemed to end, God provided and did so more abundantly than before.

God has given us so much…

Last August we entered into a time of prayer for our church, school, and ministries. We had a need to reach 165 students to meet financial needs and accreditation needs. God answered that prayer with 7 foreign exchange students.

Then, we needed our Christian school sports program to do well. This past year our football program saw more fans and more financial gain than the previous year.

Our church and school helped organize the annual auction and put together a Rock-A-Thon event. That even raised the funds needed to meet specific needs at that time. Further, in that same we moved into our new auditorium.

In the fall, during our spiritual emphasis week, we say children and adults come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

During the last year we saw the Heartland orchestra and choir grow. Have you noticed that on recent Sunday’s, the choir loft is all-but-full? Plus, the past year saw the development of the Heartland Jazz Band. Recently, the their benefit concert raised over $3,000 profit.

Time and time again, God has provided our every need. Why worry about the next problem? Let us rejoice in the blessings and victories God has provided right now. Our God warns us NOT to worry. He knows that worry leads to anger. He knows that anger leads to division.

Do you know what happens when God is good? The devil gets mad and starts poking around. He is looking to create worry. He is looking for something to get angry about. Don’t let the devil tag you. Trust the Lord…even in the hard times. After that great giving in March…that is when some new complaining began. “What about next time” or “This always happens” or “We can’t seem to have it smooth” are all comments I have heard. I say to you "why worry?" Remember that not even the Son of God had a place to rest His head. Yet, God provided His need. He provided the disciples needs. He provides for the birds of the air. He provides for the flowers of the field. He will provide for us!

God is doing great things in our church. The devil is going to try to attack that and bring worry and anxiousness into our midst. Get ready…it always happens.

Keep your eye on Christ…trust Him…and He will direct your path. Stay away from worry and anger. Amidst adversity, embrace a meek heart and serve each other with gladness. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. He is here and He is working.