Have you ever stopped and noticed what really causes people to become outraged? I have posted previously on the subejct – particularly on things like #blacklivesmatter, where the message is ONLY certain colors of lives matter. But it would seem that the problem is only getting more dramatic.

Now – many of the issues that cause outrage are legitimately outrageous! When we see abject injustice – that should cause a response in us. When we see horrific acts of mankind – especially towards other human beings – we should be deeply distrubed. Indeed, there are many things that happen in this fallen world that should not just upset us, but stir us to action. This is absolutely biblical. It should spur us to help feed the hungry (Matthew 25:35-36) , to visit and look after the widow and the orphan (James 2:27), to comfort those grieving… to weep with those who weep…

The problem comes in when people’s outrage is aimed at some, often troubling issues, while playing off or even supporting other, far more evil and egregious actions. Let me give you a couple:

Obviously, in this case, “John” was outraged by something. To be truthful, the article he was responding to was a sad one. It was reported by local media that three kittens had been found dead in a small animal cage. It appears they had been neglected.

Yes, it bothers me when people treat animals badly. And to be totally honest, I have found that few people who treat animals badly, treat human being much better. Does this guarantee a “reserved seat” in Hell? I can’t find that in my Bible. Unfortunately, many of the same folks who will get completely upside down in their outrage over three kittens neglected to death, turn a blind eye (or worse) to the real-life horror storries going on all around us every day.

When a young man from Mexico in the US illegally, violently rapes a disabled, wheelchair-bound woman, is arrested, but because it is a sanctuary city, is released only to return and violently rape the SAME victim three days after the first rape, and in front of her 3 year old son? – that is grouns for outrage!

Why are we not, as a people, outraged that in Memphis, US Marshalls trying to serve a warrant on a VERY bad guy, saw him ram police vehicles, then jump out of the car he was trying to escape in – and draw weapons and try to shoot the officers? Why are we not outraged that an entire neighborhood began pouring into the streets as law enforement and paramedics were arriving, and started assaulting police officers? Are violent criminal’s lives more valuable that the officers sworn to protect you?

Or how about the outrage over a baker refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex “wedding”, yet the same people are unphased at pedophile “trans” queens stripping to near-nude and erotic dancing with 8-10 year olds who have been encouraged to dress in drag as well?

Or my own personal “favorite” – those who bemoan kitten deaths, or the mean hunters shooting deer… all while comlpetely and uabashedly supporting abortion from conception to post-birth. The utter absurdity of supporting the murder of human beings form the womb, while being utterly outraged (some to the point of near-militant behavior)

How about instead of walking around outraged at everything that even remotely disturbs you – how about we take a look at what causes God outrage – what draws the very wrath of God that will be revealed against what? all unrighteousness – all wickedness. Indeed, the wrath of God has already been demonstrated – most importantly when it was poured out on His only begotton Son, Jesus Christ – who endured the shame and agony to redeem a people from their sins, from their selective outrage.

And we who are redeemed by His blood, should be outraged, not by what hurts our feelings, but what offends God. It is when you are walking closely with God, immersing yourself in His Word, dwelling in His presence via the Bible and Prayer – that we find our own outrage towards trivial things to diminish – and we begin to see the world through HIS eyes. We begin to see the actual orphans and widows who need us. We see the physical needs around us that must be addressed. We desire to see truth over lies. And we are offended at genuine injustice. And because we are new creatures who, in our former selves despised true justice, loved sin, and were participants in the unrighteous deeds of the world, we now desire the things of God, the works of God – and the goodness of God.

Save the self-righteous “reserved place in Hell” for your time in the mirror, check your heart, and pursue righteousness, including the righteous indignation that comes from growing more Christlike every day.