Is There a Rebel in the House?

CAUSES OF REBELLION

A major cause of rebellion is the world's satanic environment.  "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19)  The world in Satan's power has developed a harmful culture with which Christians have to contend.  (John 17:15)  Much of that culture is coarser, more dangerous and filled with more bad influences today than in  the past.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13)  If parents do not educate, warn, and protect their children, young ones can easily be overwhelmed by "the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 2:2) Related to this is peer pressure.  The Bible says:  "He that is having dealings with the stupid ones  will fare badly."  (Proverbs 13:20)  Similarly, he that keeps company with those who are imbued  with the spirit of this world is likely to be influence by that spirit. Young ones require  constant help if they are to appreciate that obedience to godly principles is the foundation of the very best way of life. -Isaiah 48:17, 18.  

Another cause  of rebellion might be the atmosphere in the home.   For example, if one parent is an alcoholic, abuses drugs, or is violent toward the other parent, the teenager's view of life  can be warped.  Even in relatively tranquil homes, rebellion may break out when a child feels that his parents have no interest in him. However, teenage rebellion is not always caused by external influences. Some children turn their backs on parental values despite having parents who apply good godly principles and who shelter them, to a great extent, from the world around them. Why? Perhaps because of another root of our problems-human imperfection. Paul said:  "Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had sinned."  (Romans 5:12)  Adam was a selfish rebel, and he left all his offspring a bad legacy. Some youths just choose to rebel, as their forefather did. 

Next time: Is There a Rebel in the House?'/PERMISSIVE ELI AND RESTRICTIVE REHOBOAM

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS