Positive Rebellion

[Classik]

Not long ago we were conversing with one of the elders (one of those powerful figures who love the youth stuff/empowerment.) we were like, 'can't' we do that which we know is right in this church? Why are we always stopped? He was of the opinion, you must obey whatever instruction your leaders and elders give. Strange? Even if the youth are right and they are wrong? Can't people be positively rebellious - provided it is the right thing to do?

 

[Gary]

Not long ago we were conversing with one of the elders (one of those powerful figures who love the youth stuff/empowerment.) we were like, 'can't' we do that which we know is right in this church? Why are we always stopped? He was of the opinion, you must obey whatever instruction your leaders and elders give. Strange? Even if the youth are right and they are wrong? Can't people be positively rebellious - provided it is the right Not long ago we were conversing with one of the elders (one of those powerful figures who love the youth stuff/empowerment.) we were like, 'can't' we do that which we know is right in this church? Why are we always stopped? He was of the opinion, you must obey whatever instruction your leaders and elders give. Strange? Even if the youth are right and they are wrong? Can't people be positively rebellious - provided it is the right Not long ago we were conversing with one of the elders (one of those powerful figures who love the youth stuff/empowerment.) we were like, 'can't' we do that which we know is right in this church? Why are we always stopped? He was of the opinion, you must obey whatever instruction your leaders and elders give. Strange? Even if the youth are right and they are wrong? Can't people be positively rebellious - provided it is the right Not long ago we were conversing with one of the elders (one of those powerful figures who love the youth stuff/empowerment.) we were like, 'can't' we do that which we know is right in this church? Why are we always stopped? He was of the opinion, you must obey whatever instruction your leaders and elders give. Strange? Even if the youth are right and they are wrong? Can't people be positively rebellious - provided it is the right thing?

What am I missing?

 

[Classik]

What am I missing?

It has been edited. The site or browser messed up my text

 

[Edward]

As far as I understand, the Elder is correct. The youth of the church is under authority and they must respect it. It's scripture brother.

Now then, that said, if the issue is a huge one and the Elders are preaching heresies or somesuch, then it would behoove the youth to pray about it, and perhaps seek a different church...

 

[Deborah13]

As far as I understand, the Elder is correct. The youth of the church is under authority and they must respect it. It's scripture brother.

Now then, that said, if the issue is a huge one and the Elders are preaching heresies or somesuch, then it would behoove the youth to pray about it, and perhaps seek a different church...

That attitude got a whole lot of Jews into trouble. The Apostles were rebellious against the leaders of the long standing Mosaic faith.
Power corrupts and puffs one up if they are not careful.
So if the youth present an idea to the elders they should respectfully consider it and unless they can give a Biblical objection or an obvious probable undesirable outcome, what is their true motive in disagreeing?
Youth learn respect by being treated respectfully.

 

[Edward]

That attitude got a whole lot of Jews into trouble. The Apostles were rebellious against the leaders of the long standing Mosaic faith.
Power corrupts and puffs one up if they are not careful.
So if the youth present an idea to the elders they should respectfully consider it and unless they can give a Biblical objection or an obvious probable undesirable outcome, what is their true motive in disagreeing?
Youth learn respect by being treated respectfully.

I can certainly understand that. The problem there is that people would let others do their homework for them and not study scripture as they should. Just follow the leader...bad move. OTOH, the youth must have respect for their elders regardless. The 64 thousand dollar question at this point is, what and why are the youth rebelling against the elders words? Is it scriptural, things they have noticed where the Pastor/Elders are incorrect about? Or could it simply be a rebellious spirit, and a resistance to being told what to do and perhaps (perceived as) interference with a lifestyle or plans that the kids have?

Another thing that the youth may consider, is that, if the Elders are incorrect or otherwise have a problem with the given doctrine or similar...perhaps the Lord has given them words of knowledge about the issue and placed them there to be able to help?

An interesting and perhaps touchy subject for sure.

 

[Deborah13]

I can certainly understand that. The problem there is that people would let others do their homework for them and not study scripture as they should. Just follow the leader...bad move. OTOH, the youth must have respect for their elders regardless. The 64 thousand dollar question at this point is, what and why are the youth rebelling against the elders words? Is it scriptural, things they have noticed where the Pastor/Elders are incorrect about? Or could it simply be a rebellious spirit, and a resistance to being told what to do and perhaps (perceived as) interference with a lifestyle or plans that the kids have?

Another thing that the youth may consider, is that, if the Elders are incorrect or otherwise have a problem with the given doctrine or similar...perhaps the Lord has given them words of knowledge about the issue and placed them there to be able to help?

An interesting and perhaps touchy subject for sure.

I agree mostly with what you have said. I can't assume, not that you are I don't see that, that they are simply being rebellious for the sake of youthful rebellion. We really would need more info for that.
But in determining just what Classik had given us to go on, he said "positive rebellion". Is there any such thing, I think there could be. Is rebellion against leadership always bad and what exactly is meant by rebellion, insisting on being considerately heard or yelling and throwing things? Like burning flags and such nonsense.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Can't people be positively rebellious - provided it is the right thing to do?

Only if being 'positively rebellious' means leaving the church you're rebelling against without incident or fanfare.

 

[Edward]

I agree mostly with what you have said. I can't assume, not that you are I don't see that, that they are simply being rebellious for the sake of youthful rebellion. We really would need more info for that.
But in determining just what Classik had given us to go on, he said "positive rebellion". Is there any such thing, I think there could be. Is rebellion against leadership always bad and what exactly is meant by rebellion, insisting on being considerately heard or yelling and throwing things? Like burning flags and such nonsense.

I do not think that rebellion against leadership is always bad. We should always question what we hear and are taught no matter how much we respect the Pastor and what we have learned from him in the past. Anyone can make a mistake and get something wrong. So take notes and do your own homework and see for yourself.

To approach an Elder or a Pastor to with desire to be considerately heard can be touchy and approached with care and respect. Many times, it should not be approached in front of the congregation, and proper respect shown by meeting privately to address most matters, especially one of disagreement with something.

Yelling and throwing things is never acceptable in such matters.

 

[Deborah13]

I do not think that rebellion against leadership is always bad. We should always question what we hear and are taught no matter how much we respect the Pastor and what we have learned from him in the past. Anyone can make a mistake and get something wrong. So take notes and do your own homework and see for yourself.

To approach an Elder or a Pastor to with desire to be considerately heard can be touchy and approached with care and respect. Many times, it should not be approached in front of the congregation, and proper respect shown by meeting privately to address most matters, especially one of disagreement with something.

Yelling and throwing things is never acceptable in such matters.

Again I agree with a lot of what you have.
Didn't mean literally yelling and throwing things, but that kind of attitude.

 

[Edward]

Agreed with that. I remember reading a scripture in Matthew where Jesus was telling someone to listen to and observe what the scribes and pharisees say, but not to act like they do, how they hold themselves above the rules and God.

We have the same thing here I think. They must listen to the elders and do what they say...but not to the point that it would go against God and His precepts. So we must show respect and hold ourselves under authority, but do our own homework and be sure on a personal level that we are right with God.

 

[Classik]

Agreed with that. I remember reading a scripture in Matthew where Jesus was telling someone to listen to and observe what the scribes and pharisees say, but not to act like they do, how they hold themselves above the rules and God.

We have the same thing here I think. They must listen to the elders and do what they say...but not to the point that it would go against God and His precepts. So we must show respect and hold ourselves under authority, but do our own homework and be sure on a personal level that we are right with God.

And when they are right but are prevented from acting, what should they do?

 

[for_his_glory]

I believe anything that the youth brings before the Elders should be thoroughly thought out first by seeking scripture and prayer to seek out and know that it is something that will bring glory and honor to the Lord. Many Churches stifle the youth instead of encouraging them and embracing their thoughts and desires within the Church. It's the youth of the Church that will draw in other youths by the various activities they can provide that will bring glory and honor to the Lord. It's like hard rock Christian music, I might not like it, but it is a vessel to draw in the youth as many come to hear the music, but leave with the message of Christ.

There is a Church here where I live that actually told some youths they were not allowed in their Church because they were wearing Goth attire. Instead they should have invited them in and allowed their youth to be a Godly influence on those ones who were seeking God.

 

[Classik]

About what a youth my wear to church....Well the wrong step would be to prevent him or her from entering the church. Let the person enter first. God does the rest. When things get out of hand majority of the youth disappear. These are the ones to run the church in the future. Not saying they should run it in immorality. Give them a listening ear...tho they may be inexperienced...yet there may be something positive in them

 

[Classik]

One day one of the leaders made a statement that shook everyone. The leader said, all these youths you prevent from doing what they feel like doing, (what they think is right)....you can suppress them today but when you sleep they will do what they always had in mind