We’re told, “All things in moderation,” but, being human, we tend to be fairly exuberant and enthusiastic about our “likes,” and to be outspoken, accusatory–maybe even demonstrative-- about our “dislikes.”
Even in Biblical times youth rebelled against their parents and the local mores (religious and societal teachings). Those youth who never quite grew up continued to rebel, extending their adolescence into their adult years, embroiling themselves and those who were guilty of loving them in one mentally anguishing escapade after another. Public humiliation, shunning, lashing, stoning, torture, and beheading were not unusual.
Although modes of punishment in much of the world have changed, rebellion to authority is still rampant. The difference mainly seems to be the degree to which people find themselves civilized and attuned to their inner religious identities.
In countries governed by rule of law, those who have some regard for the wisdom of their parents and others in authority: religious, education, law, and governmental officials; an understanding of their local, national, and world histories; and an ability to see themselves in relation to others in society tend to go with the flow, but they may openly examine new ideas respectfully while acting within the bounds of accepted norms and working to effect changes within the parameters of existing laws. This loosely describes a republic, where inhabitants are free to pursue what brings them satisfaction, according to their individual endeavors and limitations. Paramount to them, though, is that they want to be seen as good in the sight of their fellow citizens and in the sight of God. The devil prods wherever possible of course, but he doesn’t get the upper hand.
By contrast, the narcissistic, perpetual adolescents, encouraged by Satan himself, must throw a temper tantrum to get their own way because nobody understands how laws should be as well as they do! They have no respect for any opinions other than their own. Instead, they have nothing but contempt for others with different thoughts and goals. They don’t respect the rights of others, they defy any chain of command in authority, and they’re willing to use any means possible to achieve their goals. They, therefore–because they have no social restraints and are propelled as far as their own audacity will permit–should dictate to the others of us–restraining our activities, rights, purchases, belongings, even our thoughts, etc. (Hey! We just can’t see how brilliant they are!) So these pathetic, overgrown, disobedient children who openly defy, protest, etc. (even to the point of blatantly trying to overturn churches, schools, and governments, with Satan’s assistance in shotgun pattern across the country, or countries), persist, and often triumph, resulting in one form or another of despotic rule and an end to the individual’s right to pursue life according to his own wishes, limitations, and endeavors–socialism to one degree or another.
History repeats itself. All of life that does not run smoothly is due to the influence of Satan. Life is a continual good-vs-evil battle. Each little win for Satan causes more struggle for followers of Christ. Satan is willing to bide his time to get as big a prize (souls burning in hell) as possible.
That’s where our free will comes into play. Do we choose Christ? Do we plod faithfully according to the dictates of our consciences as we’ve formed them through our understanding of God, roadblocking Satan where possible? Or do we defy God? Do we work steadily to present a role model to others, even if no one else does? Or do we go against God’s will and try to blend with the errant world? Do we stand up and be counted? Or do we join the crowd?..The Holy Trinity?..Or Satan?
YAY … sound doctrine!
I don’t believe I know where the altar rail went or where the tabernacle is now though.
- I love my illustrated Baltimore Cathechism for kids!