I’m always looking at things that need improvement in my life, and two of those are using bad language and a tendency to get mad.

It’s so easy — especially when driving — to get angry with someone and toss off a quick expletive in the direction of “that moron” who just swerved in front of you. After all, they’re not going to hear you from the safety of your air-conditioned car, so why not vent your anger?

There’s a very good reason to tone down your angry self! Colossians 3:8 says it best:

'But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. '

Colossians 3:8

Too many of us think of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language as “little sins”. After all, who cares if we’re mad about something, talk trash about others, or cuss?

God cares!

In this epistle, Paul is saying that we are new men and women in Christ. It’s no longer acceptable to continue old habits. Even if we think something like showing anger or swearing are “victimless crimes”, they aren’t! We’re called to a much higher standard, and the time for changing our habits is now.

Personally, I find myself still getting angry (especially while driving), talking about others in a bad way, and dropping F-bombs when something especially irritating happens. The difference now is that the Holy Spirit reminds me when I’m doing these things, and I often say “I’m sorry” aloud!

The road to righteousness is long, and we’ll all be on it until our final hour. The important thing is to stay on that road and not take shortcuts. Remember that even the “little sins” are still sins, and continue to work on eliminating them.