The Ruin of Rebellion

“That they should put their confidence in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep His commandments,
and not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that did not prepare its heart
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:7-8

“They did not keep the covenant of God
and refused to walk in His law;
They forgot His deeds
and His miracles that He had shown them.” Psalm 78:10-11

“Yet they still continued to sin against Him,
to rebel against the Most High in the desert.” Psalm 78:17

“How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness
and grieved Him in the desert!” Psalm 78:40

“Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God
and did not keep His testimonies,
but turned back and acted treacherously like their fathers;
they turned aside like a treacherous bow.” Psalm 78:56-57

Various singers have made these words famous: “I did it my way...” While that phrase may seem catchy and harmless on the surface, it can conceal the deep, dark root of a rebellious spirit toward God. Whether we are teenagers despising our parents, workers ignoring office rules, or spouses refusing to yield our rights, we have fallen into the dangerous trap of seeking to act independently of God. Ignoring the authority of the Scriptures, we seek to blaze our own path - to achieve our desires in our way, in our power.

When we do rebel against clear standards of Godly authority, we fall for Satan’s lie that our way is better than God’s. The devil is the original and ultimate rebel, challenging God’s authority and reign (Isaiah 14:4-21). His defeat was certain the moment he rebelled, and his eventual fate of the lake of fire is likewise guaranteed (Rev. 20:10).

If you are in a state of rebellion now, think about the causes and consequences. Ultimately its point of origin is Satan who never delivers what he promises because he is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Doing it our way may appear to work for a season, but its end is always bitter. Do it God’s way an enjoy the blessings of obedience.

“How blessed are those who observe His testimonies...” Psalm 119:2