The dictionary definition of rebellion is “open resistance to authority,” and authority is “the power or right to enforce obedience.” There are many today who have that power: our government, law enforcement, most parents, some schools.
There was a day that all parents had that power and the great majority of them gave it to their child’s teacher, but the government is working to strip them of all authority by enacting legislation known as “The Rights of the Child.” It sounds good, but “The Rights of the Child” basically means that the child has the right to decide what’s in their best interest, and no one can make them do something they don’t want to do, such as attend church, chores around the house, show respect or consideration to others, etc.
But Who is our ultimate Authority? God Almighty. God gives parents the responsibility of bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Admonition means to advise, warn, and rebuke.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Why would God tell parents to train up their children in the way they should go if the children already know what’s best for them?
Proverbs 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” A child left to himself brings shame on his mother? Yet, “The Rights of the Child” advocates that we do just that. Too few parents are in favor of either the rod or reproof. They let their children do whatever they choose. In other words, they leave their children to themselves. The result is bullying, school shootings, gang activity, and juvenile crime. These activities are enough to shame any parent. Leaving a child to himself certainly doesn’t promote wisdom and honor.
Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God…”
Every person is subject to God’s authority, and since all human authority is from God, we’re required to obey that, too. That’s why God says in Colossians 3:20, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” As far as God’s concerned, children have the same responsibilities as the rest of us: to obey those in authority over them. Let’s stand against “The Rights of the Child.” It promotes rebellion.