rebellion...

I see it in the face of a loved one who's drifted off course... I'm not sure he's even recognized what's taken hold of his heart... or why he's allowed it to reside...

Why do we embrace rebellion...? defiance...?

So we don't have to go low...

Rebellion... it prevents the bending of the knee... keeps the face off the ground...

Rebellion... does not admit wrong... or acknowledge sin...

It lies... making you believe... you are free... above it all... when you are not...

"...the Sovereign Lord says: 'Because you people have brought to mind your guilt by your open rebellion, revealing your sins in all that you do --- because you have done this, you will be taken captive. ..."

Ezekiel 21:24

(emphasis mine)

Rebellion... is ugly... it is deadly... 

Rebellion... puts a wedge between you and God...

Drawing near to Him... requires... going low... and resisting the enemy... named... Rebellion...

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:7-10

I pray the loved one will receive the counsel... seek Truth... regarding the state of his heart... stop exalting himself... go low... and allow Him... to lift him out of the pit he has dug for himself...