The termite is one of the world’s tiniest creatures. It has been documented that an average termite typically measures a little less than a full inch. Needless to say that this creature does not present an immediate threat if spotted alone due to its diminutive size. Yet, to dismiss the appearance of a termite as harmless would be foolish. Although it is true that these insects do not pose a threat similar to larger predatory animals, termites are very destructive by nature. These tiny animals are notoriously known for their uncanny ability to devour wood. A research study conducted in 2010 by the United States Department of Agriculture found that termites are responsible for approximately $1.5 billion yearly in damages done to wooden structures. Similar to ants, termites work and thrive in large colonies ranging from a few hundred to several million. Hence the folly in dismissing the appearance of a single termite as insignificant, since they always travel in large quantities. Thus their size is a significant asset to their task of foraging wood to feed their queen, because it serves as a defense to cloak them from predator’s eyes. Being that small also allows them to remain unnoticed behind trees and wooded areas until the damage becomes noticeable and is beyond repair. Indeed, to the naked eye a single termite may seem harmless and pose no threat to our person, but the reality is quite the opposite. For this reason, it is wise to recognize the warning bell rung by Holy Writ as it dictates “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1, emphasis added). It is indisputable that self-control is one of the most vexing challenges in any person’s life. The ability to have a strong grip on our emotions in situations where our heart is being tugged through enticement or provocation is undoubtedly an admirable talent. The wise words penned by the Preacher certainly illustrates the amount of will power this task requires. One emotion that validates this Scripture is human wrath. The inspired James exhorts “so then my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20, emphasis). It is wise to understand that James is not speaking of anger in general, but of unrestrained anger. Remember that even our Lord Jesus Christ became indignant when “He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!’ Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up’” (John 2:14-17, emphasis added). The Master’s anger was not unrighteous, but rather justified by Holy Writ. The reality that His disciples immediately associated Psalm 69:9 with the Lord’s actions proves that He wisely and correctly used this emotion. Furthermore, it must be noticed that all four Gospel penmen concur that Christ did not strike the merchants, but drove them out explaining to them with Scripture the wickedness of their deeds (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46, and John 2:15-16). Thus, it is imperative to comprehend that Jesus’ indignation was grounded in righteousness for His zeal was not only godly, but also rational. Therefore, this proves that the wrath of which James’ warns “does not produce the righteousness of God” is one born from self-righteousness. This form of anger is manifest when a person has allowed feelings of resentment and thoughts of bitterness toward someone to fester. Like the example of the termites, unrighteous wrath will regrettably bring about great destruction in any person’s life; no matter how patient that person may be. Because this is so, the apostle Paul advises “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27, emphasis added). Observe that anger on its own is not sinful, but rather anger that we permit to transform into resentment by neglecting to reconcile with our offender. This is what the Holy Spirit refers to as allowing the sun to go down on our anger. Neglecting to seek reconciliation with our brother because we were the offended party is the very definition of self-righteousness and pride. These reserved feelings if not dealt with will create animosity within us, and will eventually provoke a harmful reaction fueled by annoyance and contempt. Ironically, a surprising example of this adverse reaction is a man identified by his patience with an ungrateful nation of Israel. The Bible thoroughly documents how often Israel complained to Moses because they were never satisfied with what God had blessed them with in the wilderness. They always wanted more, and too often Israel would murmur against Moses. To hear these complaints daily would unequivocally become irritating, especially after the death of a loved one as was the case for Moses at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1). Thus, when Israel complained that there was no water and they thirsted, Holy Writ reveals that Jehovah’s instruction to Moses was to “take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals” (Numbers 20:8, emphasis added). Lamentably, because Moses was already angry and frustrated by Israel’s incessant murmuring he instead “lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod” (Numbers 20:11a, emphasis added). Although his anger was with the Israelites, it was the Lord God who was not glorified due to Moses’ failure to do exactly as the Lord had instructed him (Numbers 20:12). This one misstep in his illustrious career as God’s servant sadly cost Moses entrance into the physical promised land. His frustration with Israel was indeed merited, but his sin was not laying it aside when it came time to obeying the instructions of the Lord. As a result, Moses reveals that despite his pleas to God to be allowed into the promised land, “the Lord was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me” (Deuteronomy 3:23-26a, emphasis added). For this reason, it is valuable to learn from Moses’ misstep and disallow these spiritual termites from nesting in our hearts. Doing so will enable them to multiply and to deafen our ears to God’s instruction that will provide the blessing of rivers of spiritual healing. If not, like Moses, our wrath can cost us the spiritual promised land, because we gave place to the enemy of our souls and not to the Word of God.
