Most of us have that one thing (or more) in our life that we engage in, knowing we “probably” should not, but continue to anyway because we enjoy it. You know, the activity we use to “relax” and take our mind off of things; that poisonous morsel from the world we ingest because it tastes good. In plain speak, the sinful activity that we refuse to stop doing, even though God has been telling us to. Sure, sure we can all justify our actions and do so in countless ways… “it’s not that bad, I just have this one vice, I already read my Bible today, God will forgive me, etc., etc.” The truth is, that when we repeatedly ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit, when we continue to choose our will over God’s will, disobeying God’s perfect commands, we are rebelling against the Almighty.
What do you think of when you hear the word rebellion? Do you picture an angry mob storming a castle or the White House, as in recent times? Do you picture a disrespectful, disobedient teenager? The dictionary defines it as “an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler; the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention.” Here are some interesting passages God has pointed out to me on this topic, along with the translator’s study notes regarding them.
Mark 6:49-52 “but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”
Regarding the last phrase, “but their hearts were hardened”, the study notes read, “The disciples’ minds were impenetrable, so that they could not receive what Christ was saying…This phrase conveys or alludes to rebellion, not just ignorance…”
1 John 3:4 “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.”
Again, the study notes read, “The term for ‘lawlessness’ conveys more than transgressing God’s Law. It conveys the ultimate sense of rebellion, i.e., living as if there were no law or ignoring what laws exist (Jas 4:17)” For reference: James 4:17 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
In other words, believers in Jesus Christ who are well aware that what they are doing is against the Word and will of the Lord, but opt to do it anyway, are in a state of rebellion. We may argue that we have not been convicted that what we are doing is sin, so God must be fine with it. May we always faithfully examine ourselves to ensure we are not willfully deceiving ourselves. Here is a simple test to see if we are righteous in any given moment; if Jesus were watching that show with us, if we were reading that book aloud to Him, if He were sharing that bottle with us, or hanging out with those people, would His pure and righteous self be at ease? How about we look at it from the opposite perspective; would WE be comfortable with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the holy and perfect Lamb of God, joining us while we indulge in our habit of choice?
It is interesting, I recently looked back at the blogs posted on the By His Well website and there is a definite repeated theme; Face The Truth, All In, Get Out of Bed, Routine, Commitment, What’s Your Carb. Along with many encouraging blogs, there are also the ones listed which are meant to “nudge” us, to exhort us towards the righteous path. In humility, I realize that this is largely due to the personal weaknesses in my relationship with the Lord. So, as I face the truth of my own rebellion and turn in repentance from it, I urge you to do the same. As you are doing so, be encouraged that you are not alone. Remember also that our sanctification is not an overnight process and we will all fail. What will protect us from rebellion is learning from those failures; listening to His conviction, obeying His commands, and replacing our comfortable, worldly habits with righteous ones.
1 Peter 1:13-16 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’.”
P.S. It can be a challenge, at times, to fill our time righteously. Here are some suggestions I have received and will pass on to you:
-Read/study your Bible (take your time, enjoy it, even check out the study notes and cross references).
-Pray to and talk with the Lord (true fellowship with God, opening up, listening for His “voice”).
-Read a godly book recommended by your Pastor or a believing friend (ie any book by C.S. Lewis is always a great read).
-Listen to a message from your Pastor (if you do not have one, feel free to listen to one from mine http://www.pastoredcollins.org/).
-Have a nice conversation or play a game with your family.
-Pay attention to your pet (snuggle, play, go for a walk).
-Reach out to someone you know would appreciate hearing from you.
-Get some exercise (go to the gym, take a walk, stretch).
-You could even read the blogs I mentioned above, here are the links:
->What’s Your Carb
->Commitment
->All In
->Routine
->Face The Truth
->Get Out of Bed
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Love in Christ,
Monica Ledford