Rebels
Our pastor shared this several days ago and it’s been on my mind since…
“Rules do not make a rebel; Rules expose a rebel” (unknown source)
Because of the truth in the above quote, many rebels in their homes have not yet been exposed. As long as everything is going their way, they “appear” to be in submission. The very sad reality is, in many of these homes are parents living in fear of “rocking the boat” by making needed changes, standing firm on convictions, etc…lest they “lose” their child.
Here is another quote I read a good while back on this topic…
“Many parents because of not wanting to lose their children have compromised with their children’s rebellion, sinful attitude, and lifestyle. Therefore, whether the parent realizes it or not they have lost their children anyway and do not even know it.” -Terry L. Coomer
Parents, are you living in fear? The answer to a rebellious child is not for you to give in to their demands, manipulations, rebellious attitudes, etc…in order to keep peace in the home. The answer is a HEART change – in THEM! God never intended for those children still in the home to “call the shots”. Parents are to make the rules according to God’s Word and stand firm on those convictions. Love the rebel? Yes. Pray and even fast for the rebel? Yes. But, allow a child to lead the home instead of God? NO.
Sadly, there are always some who must learn the hard way (many of us could relate) and when they finally come to the end of themselves as the prodigal in the hog pen, they will NEED the stability of a momma and daddy who still love them….and are still standing where they always stood.
“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:17-24