Isn’t a certain amount of rebellion to be expected—for example, with teenagers?

2 Samuel 15:12While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David’s counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum.

Luke 15:11-13Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.”

The story of Absalom and David in the Old Testament and Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in the New Testament are classic, heartbreaking stories of the rebellion of sons against their fathers. Yes, rebellion is to be expected because every person has a sinful nature, but being a common occurrence doesn’t make it acceptable.

Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.

Authority without a loving relationship often provokes rebellion.