Do I Have a Rebellious Heart?

These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD’s instruction. Isaiah 30:9

Meditation: Some people are naturally more rebellious than others.  But, whether it comes naturally or it is learned, rebellion against authority is a choice we make. Our passage refers to rebellious people as children. It is natural for children to pull away from their parents and establish their own identity. However, that process out of balance is rebelliousness.

Ideally, people mature and will grow out of their rebelliousness. Most do, but some don’t. Some hide behind their personality traits to justify their rebellious attitude. They resist authority every chance they get, even to the point of being unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.

Rebellious Christians will accept some of God’s Word, but will reject or not apply the parts they don’t like. While it is obvious in some people, don’t we all tend to side step some of the Word of God? We all tend to be unwilling to listen to His instruction in some area or another.

It is interesting when we see the openly rebellious adult wonder why their children won’t listen to them and rebel against their authority. These children will often reject God. Why not? They have been raised in an environment that chooses what authority to obey and when to obey. The parents are surprised, but they shouldn’t be. They have taught their children by words and actions that it is alright to reject authority they don’t like or agree with. The parents reap what they have sown.

The Bible doesn’t teach us to blindly submit to everything we are told. But there is a line and it seems that more and more people are stepping over the line to a rebellious heart. A rebellious heart that will not listen to any correction, reproof or teaching. We see throughout the Bible that the Lord deals with rebellion. He does not let it go. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years until a whole generation had died. They were denied entrance to the Promised Land.

What will it take to get our attention? Will the Lord have to discipline us harshly to bring our heart in line with His Spirit? We usurp God’s authority when we begin deciding what we will or will not obey.

Challenge: Do you have a rebellious heart? Do you tend to resist authority and decide for yourself what you will accept and not accept? Are people able to approach you with correction, reproof and teaching? Or, do they hesitate because of the reaction they will receive? Obey God’s Word—all of it. Submit to God’s Word and the teaching He sends through people He has placed in your life.

Thought for the Day: Lord, help me to submit and listen to your teaching. My obedience is a sign of my love for You. May my family see my willingness to obey your Work and follow in my footsteps.

Chris Garner

Used by permission – Fortified Marriages.

Maxim of the Moment

Faults are thick where love is thin.