READ: Proverbs 9:7-12
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. :- Proverbs 9:8
I remember counselling two young pastors. Both of them had the same contentious problem in relation to their senior pastor. I gave both of them the same advice.
I told them, “Only by pride cometh contention. Back down from this conflict and do not try to prove that you are right. Leave it to God. Promotion does not come from the east or from the west. God is the One who will promote you in the ministry.”
One of the pastors believed and obeyed. He ended up well and continued with his ministry. The other pastor stubbornly continued in his error. No one, including myself, was able to change his course or counsel him. He ended up as a beggar! Stubbornness is a revelation that the demonic influence in your life is very strong. Of course, when demons are part of your ministry you can only expect the end to be near.
Rebellion is a highly demonic manifestation. Rebellion always involves rising up against authority. Rebellion involves rising up against any form of control. Rebellion involves rising up against established tradition. People who give themselves to defying and resisting spiritual authorities are rebellious.
Rebellion is seen when there is an issue that involves correction. Rebellion is revealed when somebody has to be instructed, directed or reproved. The reaction to correction is always a revelation of whom you are dealing with.
As people stay longer in the ministry, they become harder and harder to correct. Their long stay in the ministry hardens them and makes them proud. They begin to have proud and stubborn reactions to correction. These negative reactions can lead to the end of their ministry.