How do you act when you do not get your way? Our response to not getting our own way reveals something about our character. We may sulk in anger or we may seek an answer from the Lord. But we probably won’t do both.
Ahab, the wicked king of Samaria coveted Naboth’s vineyard, which was adjacent to his palace. When he offered to trade land or buy the vineyard, Naboth declined because it had been in his family as part of his inheritance. In response, Ahab sulked and pouted. Jezebel, the queen, devised a plan to steal the vineyard by putting Naboth to death. All fixed. Ahab took the vineyard. Kings should always get what they want. Not so fast.
The problem with getting our own way, in any way we choose, is that we will answer to God for what we do. Elijah who lived in God’s presence, went on behalf of God and told Ahab that he and Jezebel would die for their deed of killing Naboth and stealing his vineyard. In his favor, Ahab actually repented. The judgment was delayed, but it surely came.
Sooner or later, we all sit down to a big banquet of consequences. This should give us pause when we are working out a way to get our own way. There is a God. We will answer to him. For believers, the end does not justify the means. You have heard that it was said, “It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.” But I say, “If you can’t get permission, do not presume upon forgiveness.” If we don’t get our way, we could pray. We should definitely pray.
