Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1071
Pouters: Past And Present
by Larry Ray Hafley
Remember what king Ahab did when Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to him? "So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased....And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food" (1Kgs. 21:4).
Yes, bless his heart, Ahab was pouting. Occasionally, we have members of the church who act like that when they do not get their way. They walk around with their face exhibiting their attitude. Perhaps they do it to attract attention. Some folks are happiest, it seems, when they have are pouting. They are selfish. They seek their own benefit and not that of others (Cf. Rom. 15:1-3).
We all get our feelings hurt from time to time. We may feel "slighted" by another. What is the solution? Quit and pout? No, mature Christians do not act that way. Consider Jesus. When he was reviled, when he heard bitter, contemptuous words against himself, he did not reply in kind (1 Pet. 2:23). When Paul’s preaching plans were frustrated and thwarted by ungodly men, did he retreat and sulk and pout? No, and neither should we.
Do not allow a pouter to transform you into one! It can happen to us if we are not careful. When a brother suddenly ignores you, or turns against you (for whatever reason), he is pouting. Do not allow his ungodly attitude to cause you to do the same. Pray for him. Maintain your spiritual poise. You are not the only one against whom he is pouting. Even though it may be unknown to you, he is treating others the same way. That is the nature of petulant pouters.
Such childishness should be pitied not petted and pampered. Give the pouter no sympathy. Serve the Lord and let him stew in his own juice. Elders, deacons, preachers, and saints need to be busy tending to God’s work and not trying to humor a chronic crank who sulks like Ahab.
