By:  Amanda Hahn (That’s my wife!  She’s amazing.)

When one hears the word rebel, it typically means something negative.  For instance, to rebel against authority such as parents, teachers, the government, etc.  However, being a rebel isn’t always a bad thing.  There’s one biblical character that was a rebel to the core that stepped out of the cultural bubble to meet the needs of those around him.  Jesus Christ was the ultimate rebel.  We can take from his example what it’s like to be a rebel in today’s culture.

Here’s three ways to be a rebel against the world’s standards.  First thing, be a rebel within your schools.  Don’t worry what people may think or say about you when you pray over your food or bring your bible to school.  Make God known in your school.  Second thing, be a rebel amongst your friends.  Just because your friends may act one way doesn’t mean you have to.  Be a witness to them no matter what the cost.  And lastly, be a rebel within your community.  Help your next door neighbor with the groceries, do a community service project, help keep the neighborhood clean.

Romans 12:2 says “Don’t become like the people of this world.  Instead, change the way you think.  Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants – what is good, pleasing, and perfect.”  Being a rebel isn’t just an outward change but an inward change.  One must change the way they think.  The world has conditioned us to think one way and we must rebel against that way of thinking.  When you get a moment, check out Lecrae’s album Rebel.  It’s got a powerful message on being a rebel for Christ within today’s world.  Being a rebel is about being unashamed of Christ and being determined to reach out to those who do not yet know him.  Be a REBEL!