Rebellion vs. Stubbornness

We need to know what rebellion is to really understand why it is so dangerous. Rebellion is not just outward behavior but it’s an attitude problem and a heart issue. According to Webster dictionary rebellion is an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.

Stubbornness is the tendency to resist any form of change. It is defined as: refusing to move or change one’s opinion; the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome; resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires. Stubbornness is one of the dark personality traits. We all have the potential for stubborn tendencies, but in people with a strong fear of change, stubbornness can become a dominant pattern.

Stubbornness is essentially an entrenched resistance to change. And given that life is all about change, stubbornness is effectively a resistance to life itself. The person with stubbornness is driven by a fundamental resistance to being forced to do anything or experience anything against his will. The basic stance is, “No, I will not, and you can’t make me.”

The personality with stubbornness is over sensitive to the possibility of having sudden or unwanted change imposed upon it, and sees the threat of it everywhere. Anything new or different or involving change is perceived (subconsciously at least) as a direct threat-even if the change in question is positive and in the person’s best interest.

If your life is a mess, there is a good chance you have not been doing what God’s been telling you to do. However, if you will start making right choices, God will give you the ability to get through it and things will turn around for you. But be prepared, because when you start making an effort to be submissive, your flesh is going to have a screaming fit and you will need to spend a lot of time on your knees.

You may be wondering if it is so hard to do, why I should care. Because God withholds blessings from the rebellious for their own good if He blesses disobedience, it will breed more disobedience. I can honestly tell you that if I had not surrendered my rebellious heart to God, my relationship with God would have suffered, and my ministry would not have grown. You see, rebellion, and the disobedience it causes, keeps us from having the power of God that is available to us as Christians. I do not think there is anyone who would say they do not want or need more of God’s power in their life.

But the good news is we do not have to live this way. I am a living proof that God can heal and change your heart to be submissive to His authority, as well as the people in authority over you that He puts in your life. While there may be several things you can do to defeat rebellion in your life, one of the best strategy is planned responses. By having a planned response, you may be less likely to engage in stubborn behaviors and will instead promote positive progress and relationships.