Still a Rebel

Born out of self-preservation, I have always been a rebel.

My grandparents and my mom encouraged me to be an independent thinker. Challenging the way things are can be positive or negative.

Thankfully, I didn’t wander too much into lawlessness, but as many rebels realize, my Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy* was turning into the Highway to Hell.*

When I learned about God, I was told my rebel days were over. Of course, as any true rebel, I questioned if that was really true. The answer is yes and no.

Independent thinking is essential for personal growth. We have to test and learn our true abilities and establish our boundaries. We can choose to trust God or reject Him. And here lies the true source of rebellion: the state of our hearts.

It is a question of motivation. In our hearts, are we fighting for reform, challenging systems of mistreatment, inspiring others to work for what is Godly? Or is our rebellious behavior purely disruptive, destructive, and against God?

Choosing the things of God is my willful act of defiance. In Philippians 4:6-13, Paul writes about going against worldly ways, thinking about the things of God, choosing prayer over worry, and choosing to be positive no matter the circumstances:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

So, yes, I’m still a rebel. I won’t be murdering someone because their views differ from mine. I refuse to watch F-bomb laced popular programming. You won’t convince me that every person’s life is not precious and worthy of my love and prayers. And I will never believe that God isn’t there for anyone who seeks Him.

*Songs from 1979 by Bad Company and AC/DC.