I DON'T WANT TO OBEY YOU!

Lydia (age 6) to Hailey (age 3):

Lydia: Hailey, aren't you supposed to eat that string cheese at the table?

Hailey: No...

Lydia: Don't you want to obey Mama and Pa?

Hailey: Ya, but I don't want to obey you!

 

When I heard the above interaction, it struck me a little funny. And then I thought, "That is typical though, isn't it?" It's often the same way in the big church.
 

Here Lydia was faithfully reminding Hailey of the rule that she is required to eat at the table and Hailey was rebelling against it- saying that she wanted to obey me... but not Lydia.

Of course, taking Lydia's counsel would be obeying me. It was my rule after all.

Do you think believers are receptive when people approach them with God's Word and remind them of the commands of God? Have you ever tried to correct someone privately and been attacked for it?

I think over time we learn to shy away from correcting those in sin because we fear their response. But in obedience we are to correct- and leave the repentance up to God.

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged.

With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

And they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:24-25

Preach the world; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2

Did you see these brave sisters addressing the issue of modesty in a recent film being marketed to Christians? It's a good read.
Blessings!