Rebellion Like Witchcraft

1 Samuel 15:23.

Rebellion is similar to witchcraft/divination.

Insubordination is similar to iniquity and idolatry.

I am trying to grasp the truth in this verse and flush out the lie that was deeply embedded in my mind associated with this text. My Dad would hurl this verse at me when he was upset with my behavior or when talking about others he didn't approve of. I sensed that he was trying to force me to change my attitude by condemning me with this text. But it always and only produced an immediate reaction of resentment and anger toward him and toward God who was behind it.

The use of force and condemnation produces discouragement and/or hostility. Using this text always produced the opposite result from what he was looking for. I believe my Dad was operating in a spirit of rebellion himself when he did this. He believed if he could make me afraid of being associated with the idea of witchcraft and idolatry I could be shamed into being righteous and submissive.

It seems like he was trying to break my spirit with threats and insinuations. Every time I hear or think of this text I have a similar negative reaction. There is an emotion attached to this that indicates there is a lie embedded in these memories that is distorting and twisting and miring the truth that must be in this text. I believe the process of Spirit-led inductive study could be a most invaluable tool for bringing the light of truth to shine on the lies that drive me and exposing them for what they are. Then God can embed His truth in place of the lies. And since truth is light in itself it will stay light and transform all the memories and feelings and behaviors associated and affected by that former lie.

But it is very important to explore and expose the full extent and existence of the lie before removing it. The larger and more complete the lie is exposed the more will be removed when the Word cuts it out. If we move to excise error too quickly we only cut out the small portion that was exposed and leave much of it untouched to continue to fester and trouble us.