I have a super power.
My super power is the ability to shoot daggers out of my eyes. All it takes is a glance. Usually no one else can see them flying except the person that is receiving them. All it takes is missing a music cue from the soundman. I'll shoot daggers at them. Maybe the cameraman let the speaker walk off screen. More daggers come shooting out. Perhaps the lighting tech brought the lights up a few moments too early. Even more daggers. I have become so good at shooting them that I almost become unaware of it. Before you start thinking that I have an actual super power I must confess that I am not shooting real daggers, as cool as that may be, but I am shooting something equally as damaging out of my eyes. I am shooting disappointing and angry glances at those on my team. Do you have this super power?
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
James 1:19-20
I realize that we are all striving for excellence, however, there is no excuse for letting it drive us to anger. Sometimes as we pursue perfection we become intolerant of mistakes. Since our teams are made up of imperfect people, and we are also imperfect people, mistakes are not only possible—they are also inevitable.
Easy does it
We are commanded in Scripture to be slow to anger and slow to throw daggers. Far too often we flip this verse upside-down and instead we are quick to anger. We can be like a sprinter running to anger as soon as an offense has been made.
This anger, these daggers, do not bring about the glory of God. Maybe it is acceptable if you are running sound for the local polka festival or shooting a corporate video, but it has no place in God's house. If something goes wrong in your production, just take a breath and slow down. Be slow to anger. Realize that mistakes will happen and that God has not lost control because of a small slip up.If you ever find yourself jumping to anger and shooting daggers with your eyes at those you are working with, then be just as quick to ask for forgiveness. Don't jump into the anger trap. Surely you should instruct when instruction is necessary—but always do it out of love rather than anger. Be quick to extend grace and forgiveness to those that serve with you. Doing this will accomplish God's righteousness in your ministry.
