Among the patterns woven through God's Word is a recurring theme of resistance against Him, residing at the heart of every human sin. Man elevates his standing in relation to God, failing to submit to His will. This self-elevation leads to separation from God, followed by self-deception about the sin, neglecting opportunities for repentance. Thus, sinful patterns of resistance continue unabated, not only in individuals but across millions of others following the same path. From Adam and Eve's progeny, whose sins led to the great Flood, to the men of Babel desiring to supplant God with a high tower, the pattern persists. The Israelites, despite being chosen by God, demonstrated constant resistance during their wilderness journey. They complained, questioned God's will, and rebelled, as seen in the actions of Nadab, Abihu, Korah, Miriam, Aaron, and even Moses, who fell prey to self-elevation and was denied entry into the Promised Land due to his failure to submit. In later times, the Pharisees and Sadducees elevated themselves, failing to submit to God as He walked among them, ultimately leading to the crucifixion of their Creator. These patterns of resistance are not confined to the past. Today, many assemblies of God's church fragment, with individuals elevating personal agendas over the faith once delivered. Some resist God's call to assemble and support appointed leaders, while false ministers encourage defiance by preaching gospels that elevate man at the expense of God. Since each person carries natural enmity against God within deceitful minds and travels a unique path toward His Kingdom, it is easy for the adversary to deceive, leading to the elevation of personal agendas over true worship. This separation from Christ's help renders self-examinations vain. Yet, there is hope. Recognizing limitations and submitting to the perfect patterns designed by our Creator, who is the way, the truth, and the life, is the path forward. Personal agendas must radically change to please God, and with urgency, one must turn from resistance toward the Kingdom, guided by His perfect love and control.

Many exciting and interesting patterns are woven into the very fabric of God's amazing creation. God obviously works in patterns, so it is only logical that a study of His creation, mankind, would also reveal some easily distinguishable patterns of behavior. His patterns are beautiful and perfect, reflecting the special love that only God can truly express. Man's patterns, though modeled after those of our Creator, have become corrupted through sin, along with our very nature. In the context of examining ourselves and our relationships with God and each other, two major patterns of resistance to God emerge as root causes of every sinful act man has ever committed. First, man elevates his standing in relation to God, failing to submit to His will. Second, man lies to himself about this elevation. These patterns reveal the carnal mind's enmity against God, as it is not subject to His law and indeed cannot be while in the flesh. Even with God's Holy Spirit working within, the battle against these patterns remains challenging if their reality is ignored. Originally, the human spirit was judged by our Creator to be good, even very good, but it was corrupted by sin. In the account of humanity's first transgression, the initial pattern of resistance is evident when Eve is convinced that eating the forbidden fruit would make her as wise as God. By succumbing to this temptation, she attempted to elevate herself in relation to God, failing to submit to His will. Immediately after, she lied about her actions, blaming the serpent's deception, though she was allured by the notion of becoming like God through disobedience. The human heart is described as deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, incurable in its deceit. Even a pure mind, like Eve's before her fall, can be instantly corrupted by a lie it desires to believe. If not vigilant, anyone can still be deceived into accepting similar falsehoods, perpetuating these patterns of resistance against God.