The Tell-Tale Heart

No…this isn’t a re-write of the famous Edgar Allan Poe story. This is actually a revelation that came upon me the other morning while driving to work; after I found myself getting angry at every driver on the road that wasn’t driving like me. What’s that all about? Well, that is exactly what led to this self-realization.

Although a tell-tale has numerous definitions, depending on its use, this is one of my favorites that I can relate to. I used to go sailing out of Marina Del Rey and thoroughly enjoyed learning the sport. One of the important pieces of equipment on any sailboat is a tell-tale…a little piece of ribbon or fabric which shows you which way the apparent wind is flowing and to what degree. This not only allows you to “see” what is happening, it enables you to make any corrective actions if necessary.

So what is my tell-tale? My anger. There are numerous Bible passages which speak of anger, but I think James 1: 19, 20 sums it up pretty well, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

When I become angry I need to take note that it’s not just unhealthy with all that churning inside, it’s also a tell-tale that I’ve made something else more important than God. I realize that may seem to be a strange correlation, but this is what was revealed to me. Life will throw at you all kinds of things: unfairness, mean people, calamities…yes, even bad drivers. Granted, there are times a righteous anger is appropriate; as when Jesus saw the temple of the Lord being desecrated by vendors. This, however, is not the anger I deal with on a daily basis. I find myself placing way too much importance and emphasis on “things going right” when I should be focusing on what really matters…my own spiritual walk. I need to be more centered on this and all the blessings God has provided me.

Does God really care if a driver tailgates me or cuts me off on the road? He cares in the personal sense but, bottom line, He would much rather me calmly remove myself from the situation instead of getting all heated up over it.

Of course, there are many tell-tales in life revealing what our actions are really made of. Anger is just one of mine, and they are different for each individual. Pray that God will reveal your tell-tales to you so you can know when you’re veering astray from His will. A more satisfying walk with your Creator may be just that simple.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
© September 2010

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