Overview
Self-will manifests as obstinate resistance to God's authority and the counsel of others. Throughout Scripture, this defiance is portrayed as a serious spiritual condition that hardens the heart and leads to judgment. The remedy is submission and yielding to God's lordship.
Key Scriptures
"The LORD said to Samuel, 'Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until now, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you'" (1 Samuel 8:7, NIV).
"But these people are stubborn and rebellious; they have turned away and gone" (Jeremiah 5:23, ESV).
"Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery" (Proverbs 29:1, NCV).
Application
Examine your heart daily for areas where you resist God's will, and intentionally align your desires with His Word through prayer and obedience.