The Spirit of Rebellion

By Joe Keim

June 28, 2014

I would like to point something out to you that is not necessarily positive, but for those who have a desire in their heart to mature and grow spiritually, it may be a help in your journey. 

Before we get to my subject at hand, let me say I am not pointing my finger at anyone in particular, neither do I want to come across as Mr. Know it All. In fact, what I'm about to share with you, is something I have struggled with in my own life. It was not until I got very honest with myself and evaluated my own heart and motives that I said, Joe, you have a problem that is keeping you from getting ahead in life. Since then, I have purposely tried to become more sensitive and aware of that part of me.

Here goes:

I believe many who leave the Amish, struggle with the spirit of rebellion. And truthfully, if we had not been carrying some of that rebellion back in the day, we would not have left our culture in the first place. It is that rebellion that caused us to throw our arms up and say "I had enough _______________", and you can fill in the blank. Those who give in and yield to their parents and the rules of the Amish church are still at home and, well, life goes on for them.

Someone, formerly Amish, reading this might say: but wait, I left to follow Jesus Christ and God's righteousness; it had nothing to do with rebellion! OK, that might be true to an extent, but keep reading. It just might be that you carry more of a rebellious spirit than you realize.

Here are five signs that point to a spirit of rebellion: bitterness, stubbornness, unteachable, undisciplined living, and argumentation.

1. Bitterness is the first evidence of a spirit of rebellion.

Bitter people reveal their bitterness by constantly complaining about life. They tell you that things would be different for them if they had your silver spoon. When you listen to a bitter person talk you discover that all their problems are the fault of others. Bitter people have a difficult time accepting personal responsibility for their lot in life. If you find yourself blaming others, remember that bitterness is the result rebellion. BTW, do you have any idea how negatively your bitterness impacts those who have to live with you?

2. Stubbornness is the second mark of a rebellious spirit.

A stubborn person refuses to open his/her heart to listen to the facts. There is a rejection of open, honest dialog. Why? Because a stubborn person's position will collapse, and God help me if someone else besides me comes out on top.

3. Unteachable is a third mark of a spirit of rebellion.

An unteachable person does not hear when a wise person gives advice. They would rather waste their money on nonsense and spent time in jail than to take advice.

A teachable person, on the other end, is quick to listen.

An unteachable person is very easy to spot. First, their number one, and often only, interest is to support their own position.

A good listener will make the extra effort to understand what you are trying to teach him/her, mark it down and make the necessary changes in his or her life.

Lastly, an unteachable person will seldom view life through another person's glasses.

4. Undisciplined living is a fourth indicator of a rebellious spirit.

Undisciplined living can be expressed in ways other than drunkenness and immorality. Some people show it by over spending their budget, others by over eating, others are consistently late for meetings, some by laziness, and not keeping the promises they make to others. Any one of those items should cause you to ask: "Am I undisciplined?" Ask yourself, "does my lack of discipline point to a rebellious spirit that I haven't come to terms with?

5. Being argumentative is the fifth indicator of a rebellious spirit.

An argument is a clash of wills. If you have a tendency to want to impose your will on others. That may be a signal that you have not dealt with your spirit of rebellion.

Please don't lose sight of the fact that a rebellious spirit has a major negative impact on others around you. Recognizing and dealing with your rebellious spirit is the most significant step you can take to being a successful person in life.

Those with a rebellious spirit will continually find fault with every church they ever attended, every pastor and spiritual leader that ever reached out to them, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ, police officers, employers, and on and on; these are all people to keep at arm's length. They do not like authoritative figures of any type and they do not like commitment. They want to be free to come and go as they please, and they want it done their way or nobody's ways.

Do you struggle with any of these? If so, do you like living in your deep dark dungeon filled with spider webs and moths? Or would you rather enjoy life more fully by becoming honest with yourself and going to God and asking for forgiveness?

If you are a parent and struggling with the spirit of rebellion, consider the effects it has on your children! Your spouse! Your co-workers!

If you are a young single adult, consider that, Lord willing, you might live for another forty or more years. Do you really want your journey to be a sour one? Really? I doubt it.

Beware that rebellion is an open door to demonic spirits in a person's life. God's Word warns us that rebellion darkens your spiritual eyesight (discernment), and it deafens your ears to hear God's voice.

You may be asking yourselves, "How do I deal with my rebellious spirit?"

Step one: Bend your knee in submission to Jesus Christ and ask Him to be Lord of your life.

Step two: Admit that you still have the spirit of a rebel. Say the words to a trusted friend and ask them pray for you and help you overcome.

Step three: Recognize that this is an ongoing struggle.

 

My prayer for you

Father in heaven, I pray for that one who has read this message and found him or herself carrying the spirit of rebellion. Give _________________ a desire in their heart to do something about it, and then come along side and provide more than enough courage and Holy Ghost power to overcome. In Jesus name, we renounce that spirit of rebellion and ask that You, OH God, would bind and cast the evil spirit aside for the last time. Protect ___________________ by placing a hedge all around. All this we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

God bless and favor your life with passion and fire for Him, Joe Keim

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