As a teenager I could not wait until I was 18 and could move out on my own, make my own decisions, establish my own hours, be my own boss and not have to answer to anyone. The year from 17 to 18 was almost as exciting as from 15 to 16 when I was anticipating my driver’s license.
Looking back, it’s hard to understand my rebellion to obedience. My parents were the greatest; I never had reason to question their love and loyalty, my mother was an angel who never raised her voice and there were never unreasonable controls, demands, or instructions. I knew my sisters loved me, even when they were aggravated by my presence. God blessed me with a childhood and family life that could be the envy of any boy. Yet, I resented authority and having to be obedient to anyone, I longed to be my own man.
I now believe the thing that made me resist obedience was the same thing that makes a two year old scream no, or have a temper tantrum when they don’t get their own way. It’s not something we have to be taught, or learn through life experiences, it’s something we are born with; it’s called a sinful nature. Deep down, we all long to be free, but we don’t always know what’s best for us.
Christ our Savior is also our example. Hebrews 5:8-9 tells us; “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Christian character is produced by being submissive to the Holy Spirit, not by being free from obedience. The fruit of that submissiveness is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Gaining real independence and freedom has less to do with calendar age and more to do with the age of accountability and making the right decision, to surrender your life to Christ....“and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32
