The Big-Boy Pout

And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. 1 Kings 21:4

I was probably three years old when this picture was taken. I think we were camping and I was hungry. I wanted to eat immediately, but supper wasn’t ready, and I had to wait. So, I sat at the picnic table and pouted. My parents found this amusing and snapped this picture, which has preserved my sulking for all time. As a toddler, my pouting may have been amusing, but this is a behavior that has grown less amusing with age. At 52-years-old, it’s just not cute anymore. Still, when I don’t get my way, if I’m not careful, I can sulk as good as that three-year-old me.

Unfortunately, though pouting is a profoundly childish behavior, adults aren’t immune to it. This is illustrated in today’s passage, which tells of King Ahab’s desire to own his neighbor’s vineyard. In the story, King Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard and approached him with an offer of purchase. Naboth refused as the vineyard had been in his family for generations. Unaccustomed to not getting his way, King Ahab went home, threw himself upon his bed, and refused to eat his supper. Basically, King Ahab pouted. In the end, it worked. His wife, Jezebel, witnessed the behavior and had Naboth accused of blasphemy, after which he was put to death, so Ahab could acquire the vineyard. It’s a sad story of childish behavior, ending with a terrible injustice.

Though it may not always end in such a terrible way, my pouting is far from healthy. In my sullenness, I indulge in resentful behavior attempting to manipulate others into doing my will. This is childish, unpleasant, and frankly, sinful behavior. As always, I’m responsible only for my own actions. So, if I desire to act rightly, then, when I don’t get my way, I must analyze my feelings. Am I being reasonable and is it worth saying something? If so, then I should plainly explain my disappointment without expectation or resentment. If I’m not being reasonable – which is probably more often the case – then I just need to let it go. Letting go may be hard to do, but no one wants to see a 52-year-old pounding on a picnic table, demanding to get his way.