Pouting
My Way
There is a certain very hard working family that lives on a big ranch. Now when a ranch is mentioned in the conversation the thought automatically turn to thoughts of hard labor, regular hours and very much in the way of cattle and horses.
Just like any other home, there comes times when disagreements arise that cause irritation and unkind words. So the husband and the wife have something that they start to argue about. It may begin with something very minor, but then one or the other says just one word that causes more irritation and then hurt feelings.
The harsh words really sting and devour the love that once was permeating their devotion to each other. Instead of appreciating one another’s hard work they drill each other into the hard ugly brown dirt. This husband has the habit of just running off and pouting up the stairs. Instead of talking things over and coming to an understanding of the other’s needs and desires the heart is blown up with pride and self-pity and rankled over in the mind until it is shown in actions and deeds of evil retaliation. The poor mother is near to having a nervous breakdown.
The main actions that should be brought forth are the need of a calm realization of the need to get rid of selfishness and do what can be done to make the other person happy. The only way this can be lasting to any degree is in much prayer and surrender of the will to God. The human mind is continually dwelling on ‘I’ no matter who it is.
When the mind is surrendered to Jesus, then the thoughts will always turn to Him and will be asking continually “How Can I Please Jesus”? So then the habits will be turned away from “me” to others and most of all to Jesus. The fact is the way we treat one another is the way we are treating Jesus.
So many times in the conversations with people, when a disagreement arises between them, one of them will dash off or if he can’t get away right away he is mad and angry and full of denunciations to no end. Even many who claim that they know Jesus and love Him with all their heart will become infuriated at something he does not harmonize or believe in his own mind. What can be done? The Lord gives us these words.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.” Proverbs 15:1-7
“The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
His ways are always grievous.”
Psalms10:2-5
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”
Proverbs 8:13-21
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”
Proverbs 13:10
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”
Proverbs 16:18-20
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
James 4:10
