Dealing with Rebellion

What’s at the heart of this thing called rebellion? I’ve met people who believe they have lost their closeness to God because they disobeyed Him at some point in their lives. They may have committed an impulsive, yet serious, sin. Or they may have lived lives of indifference toward God and aren’t sure how to find their way back—or if God even wants them back.

Or, they may have acted in a way that we normally associate with rebellion: Like a child who throws a temper tantrum in the middle of a store because he can’t get what he wants off the shelf. Adults don’t normally throw themselves down on the ground and kick and scream, but our rebellion is just as serious. We say to God what a rebellious child says to his parents: “I’ve had it with you. You never answer my prayers. You let my marriage fall apart. You let me contract a terminal illness. You allowed me to lose my job. You didn’t keep my kids from getting into trouble even though I’ve prayed for them for years. I’m done with this. If this is a spiritual life, I want no part of it.”

Just like a good parent disciplines his or her child to help them get back on track, God helps teach us, while at the same time loving and accepting our flaws. If you’ve been running away from God with a rebellious heart, it’s never too late to come back to Him. He’s there. He loves you no matter how badly you’ve messed-up. All you need to do is ask for forgiveness, seek His face, and be willing to turn your life around by accepting and following Jesus.