My childhood home was at the bottom of a hill that ended in a horseshoe turn that would curve back around and then go up the hill again. Since the street did not have an outlet, there was not a lot of traffic. Therefore, it was relatively safe to play in the front yard. There was a large oak tree that I would love to play on, and plenty of space to run. I remember one day, (and I can’t remember why) I had wandered out onto the road. Instantly, I was met by a large station wagon, which came to a screeching halt about 4 inches away from my belly button. In the next instant, my mother was yelling from the house in utter fear, as she ran out to grab me. I had been warned sternly on many occasions never to wander out unto the street because of the danger.
This week as you focus on the Rebellious attitude, meditate on these passages in the bible: Numbers 16, Romans 13: 1- 6, 1 Corinthians 10, and Psalm 75.
Rebellion exists in every human heart. Since the time of Adam and Eve, rebellion comes naturally. It is also a universal part of our human condition to have authority in life, whether we like it or not. Our number one authority is God. Also, there are people in this world who are ultimately in authority over us. These earthly authorities include: government, the criminal justice system (that includes judges), church leadership, husbands as leaders of the family, husband and wife as leaders of their children, and bosses at work. These can also be teachers, coaches, and many more depending on the given situation.
Rebellion occurs when we say to ourselves, “I won’t, I know I should, but I won’t! You can’t make me!” This attitude can range from very subtle thoughts, to “in your face” out in the open defiance. In our culture, we are all vulnerable to this attitude.
- Rebellion against proper authority reveals a deeper rejection of God’s authority, which brings devastating consequences to our lives.
A word about “proper” authority: When we resist people in authority who cause us to sin, or go against God, we are not in rebellion. Rebellion is a complex issue, especially in families were there has been abuse, addiction, or severe dysfunction. If you are currently or have previously been in this type of situation, please seek out counseling and mentoring to gain clarity on this subject. This will be essential on your healing journey. This topic of the rebellious attitude, is meant to address healthy, everyday relationships.
A biblical example of the rebellious attitude occurs in Numbers 16 (please read this passage) with the rebellion of Korah. Basically, Korah and his neighbors oppose the leadership of Moses. For reasons (that they believe are quite good), they rebel against their leader and want to ultimately take over his job duties. Although Korah and his band of followers believe their rebellion is justified, the fact is that Moses was placed in authority by God. God had a plan for his chosen people, which included Moses as leader of the exodus. As a result, Korah is not only opposing Moses, he opposes God also. The consequence for Korah and his followers is disaster.
Israel as a people were also rebellious. The consequence for them (2 million people): a 300 mile wildereness journey that could have taken 18 months, ends up in 40 years of wandering outside of the “promised land.” 1 Corinthians 10:6 reads, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
The tragic end of Korah and the story of Israel’s lost time in the wilderness is a warning for us today. When tempted with the attitude of rebellion, we must seek to abandon it. Rebellion only leads to destructive consequences.
Three questions to ask this week to work on possible areas of a rebellious attitude in your life:
1. What are the authorities in my life?
- Be in prayer to identify the people that God has appointed as authorities in your life. Ask God to help you examine the quality of these relationships.
2. Am I in rebellion with my authorities?
- Consider the consequences that you have experienced in any relationship where there is rebellion. This week reflect on these consequences and write them down.
- Pray that God reveals the cost of any rebellion in your life.
3. Am I willing to end my rebellious attitude?
- Pray to God for forgiveness, and ask Him to grant you a release from the pattern of a rebellious attitude. God is gracious, He can release us from destructive patterns in our life!
- Consider any belief that may be at the core of a rebellious attitude. Write these beliefs down in journal format.
- Pray to God that he will speak truth into any belief that may be directing you to hold a rebellious attitude.
- Reflect on the Bible passages above and let God’s word speak to any faulty belief that is guiding this destructive attitude.
This topic above is likely the most difficult of the series. Therefore, this area of investigation may hold the most benefit. If you need help with this topic, please seek counseling and support. Your work on this area could be a true turning point in your life! Next week, we will continue with the “Healing Attitude of Submission”.
