It’s been said that rules without relationship equals rebellion. That’s the same message we find in Ephesians 6:4, which says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (AMP).
Many times, children rebel because they’ve been given rules in an atmosphere that is lacking in love, compassion, patience and kindness; or is overly strict. At other times, they are told how to live while another way of living is modeled before them. Each of these atmospheres is a recipe for rebellion.
Another factor that is often overlooked is the influence of media. Most movies, television and music contain darkness in the spirit realm in the form of many different wrong spirits, including the spirit of rebellion. If children feed on this type of spiritual food, they will eventually display the same spirit in their lives. That’s why Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes” (NASB) and Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts more than anything else.
To prevent a spirit of rebellion in your home, develop a loving relationship with your children. Of course, there should always be boundaries and discipline, but do so with wisdom and love. Be selective about what they watch and listen to and who they spend time with (bad company corrupts good morals—1 Corinthians 15:33). And do not permit them to talk back to you or rebel against you, not even when they’re small. Implement a zero-tolerance policy for rebellion. Deal with the spirit of rebellion swiftly and consistently, and drive it out of your home in the Name of Jesus!