When Peeves Become Pets

Anger is pet that everyone owns, though not all who own it feel it's responsibility. Have you ever noticed that the Bible simply assumes anger? Paul said, "Be angry and sin not." He assumes that each and all of us will get angry, though we will not all handle such anger in appropriate ways. Thus, once more for reason of emphasis, let me say that anger is like a pet everyone owns, but not all own it equally. 

Lazy leash owners. Lazy leash owners do little to accept the proper ownership of their pet, which they expect to restrain with a frail thread that winds in and out allowing nearly full range of roaming and very little sense of boundary. With the push of a button, they may unleash their hounds with unabashed force, retracting only when mortal danger seems to loom and they must utter inane phrases like, "Oh! He doesn't bite." Not only does this statement often fall short of reality, but it also assumes that everything short of the bite is acceptable, despite the fact that most of us are very uncomfortable allowing someone's pet to do their business on our lawn or get up close and personal with our more private areas. 

Lazy leash anger is quick to speak, runs roughshod over anyone within hearing distance, and offers only a modicum of spring-loaded responsibility that is constantly apologizing, as if the apology was all they could do and self-control were an archaic notion better ignored than embraced. With no boundaries they leave and constantly traverse a mine field of offenses that breed only discomfort and strain. Unfortunately, lazy leash anger is normal. 

At every genuine, slight offense, or even a purely self-fabricated one, the lazy leash owner sends out the hounds and expects everyone to accept the broken boundaries. NFL players get offended, despite their millions, and not only expect everyone to accept their rhetoric, but demand the absence of consequence. Reel that puppy in and all is forgotten, except the mess the pet has left behind. But, that can't possibly be their fault. That dog won't bite. Put up a memorial, celebrate your culture, speak freely about God and Jesus and you will soon find yourself surrounded by lazy leash anger, the owners of which will march the streets with fingers poised and shaking over the button of their wrath looking for a reason to release it. 

The neglectful owner or non-owner owner. The neglectful owner or non-owner owner puts the pet in the back yard and likes to pretend it does not exist. It is not embraced, taught and given direction, but left to its own devices. This never ends well. Each day it grows hungrier and hungrier, until one day it finds an opportunity to break free and roam its neighborhood threatening because it just can't take anymore. When we pretend we "never get angry" the anger doesn't go away but simply grows fiercer and larger. With but a few controlled walks, exercise and feeding this beast never gets out of hand. 

Anger has always been a part of our various cultures, but more and more dysfunction in our ownership of it is causing serious rifts in our society. The vocal majority spews anger at all who happen into their sphere, while the silent majority ignore it all, hoping for an end the will simply appear, though it does little to quell their growing discontent. "Be angry and sin not" requires work, like training a pet. It requires honesty and the ability to communicate effectively. So, before you get out that protest sign and take to the streets or turn the "blind eye" to things that offend, take stock of your pet ownership. Yes! You do have one. Get to training. 

Posted by Anonymous