Rebellion and stubbornness

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He also has rejected you from being king.” – 1 Samuel 15.23

We have a tendency, I think, to classify sins according to our standards. Some sins are really bad and some sins are, bad, but, well, you know…

Usually it is the sins we don’t struggle with which are the really bad ones. We would all agree that things like murder and adultery and violence against the innocent are really bad sins.

I would think that next on the list would be things like witchcraft and idolatry and worshiping false Gods.

But what about things like rebellion and being stubborn? Could they really be that bad in the light of eternity?

Rebellion is like witchcraft and stubbornness is like idolatry.

Can they be that bad?

Let’s think about it for a minute. What do rebellion and stubbornness really mean? Rebellion means I don’t accept God ordained authority. Stubbornness means U don’t accept God’s way. Both mean that I have to have my way.

Some people take pride in being a rebel. Some are proud of being so stubborn. God doesn’t take such a high view of those things. He delights in a meek and humble spirit.