The so-pathetic-you-want-to-laugh story of James and John reminds us that most anger is just ego. “When the disciples James and John saw [the Samaritans’ rejection of Jesus], they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’” (Luke 9:54). The brothers wanted to direct a movie called Sodom the Sequel, bringing down heavenly fire for a good ol’ Samaritan BBQ.

But notice that little word us. “Jesus, do you want us to call down fire?” James and John made the issue about themselves. Jesus wasn’t burning with vengeful anger, but the brothers were, because their egos were offended at the ungrateful Samaritans.

That’s a convicting word that we need to hear too. Ninety-nine percent of our anger is our ego. “I’m not getting what I want.” “I wanted to drive to work without slowing down or hitting the brakes, but then you got in the way.” “I wanted the government, my employer, my church to handle COVID the way I wanted.” I. I. I. We love to blame our anger on the circumstances, but maybe the real issue isn’t it/him/her/them; maybe the real issue is our ego.

Think of the last time you were angry. What did you want that you weren’t getting? Was your anger just your ego in disguise? Be honest, and you’ll be one step closer to God’s will of getting rid of your anger.