Rebellion. It’s a natural phenomenon that most people go through at some point in their lives.
Teenagers tend to be more rebellious because they think they know better than their parents or other adults. They often begin to know who they are and that combined with freedom becomes an explosive push forward. They often drive cars too fast, have pre-marital sex or make rash decisions they later regret.
What stops a teenager’s rebellion? Consequences like a speeding ticket or teen pregnancy.
But what if this kind of teenager rebellion continues into adulthood? What if it continues even after God has saved you?
We are taught that God has a plan for our lives, and that we should follow it. But how easy is it to think that we know more than God. We make choices out of the flesh, on our emotions, or on heart’s desires rather than making choices based on God’s words.
How many of you have made a bad decision based on anger that you later regretted, like punishing your child out of anger instead of waiting until you were calm and thought out before disciplining? Or, how many of you made a bad decision based on your heart’s desire like buying something on a credit card that you knew you really couldn’t afford and then later regretted paying interest on that purchase?
Scripture is God’s living word. We are to follow what it says about how to live as Christians, and we are to follow the Ten Commandments. When we make choices that don’t lineup with scripture, life can be hard and there also can be tough consequences to face.
We are given an example of how to live and how not to live as Christians. In Ephesians 5:3-7 NIV it says, “3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.”
This passage is straightforward in that these types of bad behaviors have consequences for Christians. There is a warning: No such people will inherit the Kingdom of Christ or of God. So, we will be left without blessing, and the hope of heaven. And God’s wrath will come upon us too.
I don’t know about you, but because I am a sinful imperfect person, I want and need God’s goodness and blessing in my life. I need the grace and the hope of one day making it to heaven for eternity.
Instead of sexual immorality, greed, and foolish behavior and talk, we can be thankful. We can start each day with thankful prayers to God. We can abide in the spirit and not in the flesh. And to do this, we can earnestly seek God through prayer, Bible reading, and being an active member in our church.
Surrendering to God every single day in morning prayer is a great way to start moving away from a life of rebellion. It provides us with a path of peace and freedom. Will you join me in thankfulness and surrender today?
Be Blessed,
AllisonD
allisond.com
