Lessons in rebellion, pt. 2

A while ago, I wrote about my struggle to overcome rejection. What started out as rejection grew into outright rebellion. Read part 1 here. Now, here’s how to recognize rebellion in your own life.

Do you have these traits of rebellion?

1. Faithlessness. You have trouble being loyal to God, so you keep falling away.
2. Hostility. You have a chip on your shoulder. You cause turmoil and strife wherever you go.
3. Superiority. You think you know it all. You’re arrogant.
4. Controlling. You’re strong-willed; it’s got to be your way.
5. Rigid. You won’t bend or compromise.
6. Bitter and resentful.
7. Critical. You always have something negative to say, always find fault.
8. Unteachable. You know it all, so you set yourself up as judge and final
   authority…as God. No one can teach you anything.These aren’t very nice qualities. Hopefully, if you see yourself in them, it will give you the desire to repent, and ask God to forgive you and change you.

P-R-I-D-E

The root sin of rebellion is pride. You have so much pride you don’t think you even need God. If you look at the word  P R I D E, what’s in the middle of it?  ” I “.  That’s exactly what’s in the middle of  S I N,  ” I “……..”SELF.”  “I’m going to do it my way.”

Rebellion and pride go way back to the Garden of Eden, to the first couple. Satan has been using the same old tricks since the beginning of time–trying to convince us that God is holding out on us. God can’t be trusted. He doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Satan made Eve feel like God was holding out on her. That caused her to rebel, and Adam went along with her.

Adam blamed Eve, said it wasn’t his fault. Eve blamed the serpent, said she was deceived, said “It’s not my fault.” If you’re deceived, it most certainly is your fault, because you should know what God’s Word says!

Don’t let rebellion destroy you. Get help.

Instead of blaming someone else, we need to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Are you rebellious? Are you bitter? Critical? Stubborn? Hard-hearted? Holding unforgiveness in your heart? Are you doing things your way, instead of God’s way? Because if you are, you’re deceived and it is your fault.

Rebellion brings destruction! The only way to prevent destruction is to admit the rebellion and quit it. Stop blaming others. Maybe others have sown a lot of bad seeds into your life. You’ve been hurt, rejected, abused… but God is saying today, “This is about you. You need to repent. Just do it.” So get alone with God and just do it.

Are you struggling with rejection, rebellion or another area of your life? Don’t go it alone. Seeing a trained counselor doesn’t mean you’re messed up. It means you’re wise enough to get help to become emotionally healthy. Growth comes when  things are brought out of the dark into the light. Let there be light!

We love to hear from you! If this message has been a blessing to you, please comment!