|
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Devil Releases The Donkey In Us!
A donkey was tied to a tree. The devil came and quietly untied it. The donkey wandered into a nearby field and began destroying crops. Seeing the damage, the farmer's wife shot the donkey. Enraged, the donkey's owner shot the farmer's wife. When the farmer returned and found his wife dead, he shot the donkey's owner. In retaliation, the owner's wife sent her sons to burn down the farmer's house. They did so gladly, assuming the farmer would perish in the flames. He did not. In fury and grief, the farmer killed the woman and her two sons.
Later, overwhelmed with remorse, the farmer asked the devil why he had caused such devastation. The devil replied, "I did nothing. I only released the donkey. All of you reacted, overreacted, and released the inner devil within yourselves."
This story is a powerful metaphor for human behavior. The "donkey" represents small provocations, misunderstandings, or unexpected problems that enter our lives. The devil does not need to destroy us directly. He simply loosens something minor and watches as we allow anger, pride, and vengeance to take control.
In daily life, donkeys are constantly being "released." A careless comment at work. A harsh message on social media. A driver cutting us off in traffic. A rumor repeated without verification. None of these events are catastrophic on their own. Yet how often do we respond with words sharper than necessary, actions harsher than required, or decisions fueled by wounded ego?
Conflict rarely explodes in a single moment. It escalates step by step. One reaction triggers another. Each person feels justified. "I was only defending myself." "They started it." "I had no choice." But in truth, at every stage there was a choice - the choice to pause.
Psychologists call this the "amygdala hijack" - when emotions override rational thinking. In those heated seconds, we feel compelled to act. However, wisdom lies in creating space between stimulus and response. A deep breath. A moment of silence. A question instead of an accusation. These small pauses can prevent irreversible consequences.
The moral is not about donkeys or devils. It is about self-control. We cannot always control what is untied around us, but we can control how we respond. Strength is not shown in retaliation; it is revealed in restraint. Maturity is not proven by winning an argument but by preventing unnecessary battles.
The next time you feel anger rising, ask yourself: Is this a donkey moment? Am I about to release my inner devil? Will this response solve the problem or multiply it?
Many tragedies - in families, workplaces, communities, even nations - begin with something small. But they grow because people refuse to step back. Breaking the chain requires courage, humility, and patience.
So before replying, responding, reporting, rebuking, or seeking revenge, stop and think. The devil may only release the donkey. What happens next is up to you.
In the Service of the Lord,
 |
|
|
