On Your Own

How can I be my own person without being rebellious against my parents or against God?

God’s Response

The Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years. So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’ ” Hebrews 3:7-10

At this time in life, you’re tired of being told what to do; you want to chart your own course and become your own person. Great! Go for it! But being your own person and being rebellious are two totally different things. Authority is not always a bad thing—the abuse of authority is a bad thing. God’s authority will not only save your life but will show you how to be successful and blessed. Don’t rebel against that authority and jeopardize your very soul. Being your own person doesn’t mean doing whatever you want to; it means using your God-given personality and talents to serve him through serving others.

This Is Promising

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12