"The Poison of Rebellion"
Numbers 10:1-11:23
Mark 14:1-21
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 10:31-32
"The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion." (Prov. 10:32 TLB)
I was at a Christian men's seminar and I was walking behind a couple of guys who had bought some coffee from a missionary from Africa. One said, "I bought one for me & one for my boss cause I know he likes coffee." The other guy was genuinely surprised and said, "What? Are you a brown-noser or something?"
That conversation had stuck in my mind for quite a bit. I had been thinking about godly principles that the enemy has distorted in the minds of so many. As an example, let's look at the DREAM principles, and compare them with the world's message:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - Obedience & Thanksgiving vs. It's all about Me - disobedience & I Deserve good things
Relationships Devoted to Unity - Submission vs. It's all about Me - rebellion - me first
Empowered through Biblical Training - Discipline vs. It's all about Me - No restraints
Active Ministry Involvement - Responsibility vs. It's all about Me - It's all mine
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - Purpose vs. It's all about Me - live for the moment
Obviously, there's a consistent theme in the world: It's all about me. Let's focus specifically on the principle of submission. People HATE that word! It is so distasteful to so many people. I'm not even talking about the unbeliever. I'm talking about Christians, and sometimes the "seasoned" Christian can have as much struggle in this area as anyone.
There is a fear of public opinion in the area of submission. Heaven forbid someone overhear us defending our boss when others are complaining about the leadership style. To complain about authority is "normal" in our culture. Sure, we put it in the disguise of "venting" as if there's a scriptural "right" to that. We don't realize that we spread the poison of rebellion.
What would happen if all believers took it upon themselves the objective of defending their leader? What would that do? Would the world notice? I'm kind of thinking they would. Some may be thinking, "Yeah, but you don't know my boss... he isn't even a Christian!" That doesn't make a difference. This should be a principle that is a part of who we are even if our boss is named Saul and he's throwing spears at us on a daily basis.
"The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion." Relationships Devoted to Unity is not just so the folks in the bible study get along. It's a principle that should effect every area of our life. Take an observers role today. Listen to conversations. Are they helpful or are they rebellious? Listen to the words that come out of your mouth.
"The upright speak what is helpful..."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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