A Rebellion Worthy of the Cause

A simple definition for a rebel is - one who is going against the grain, a nonconformist, not conforming to the standards of the masses. It takes courage to be a rebel, it is lonely when you are riding solo. Tony Dungy in his new book "Uncommon" states that real courage has some critical keys. 1) Remember that what you do when no one is watching matters. 2) The means matter as much as the ends, if not more. 3) Truth is critical. Being truthful is too. 4) Never give up, never. 5) Some of the most rewarding times in life are when you have to stand alone, even if you are uncomfortable doing so. Integrity, diligence, truthful, perserverance, and faith are the themes in this list of keys, I don't know about you but I want those characteristics on my resume. Let's take a look at the man Christ Jesus for a little more insight on courage to be a rebel. Looking at Matthew 23 we see a time when the religious leaders were getting tired of Jesus and their hearts were getting harder and harder by the day towards His truth. In their jealousy and prideful, power hoarding ways, they constantly looked to find fault in Him (failing miserably of course). Jesus was growing tired of their unrepentant, pious ways and He knew He had to rebuke them. Watch Jesus start a little fire here in front of a multitude of folks just to expose the pharisees hypocritical methods.
Matthew 23:2 "The scribes and pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do." (Moses seat makes reference to the law of Moses and 10 commandments)
That is a courageous rebel; Jesus exposed the faulty ways of a society that was falling. Who else was feeling His style? He was alone until the truth was revealed and then people's eyes were opened and they started to follow His truths. Can that be us? Don't we have the market cornered on truth in a falling world (Bible/God's word, look at the amount of people who claim the flock, Holy Spirit, etc...). Once again brothers it is time to look in the mirror and do a gut check. Who are you, who are you living for, what is your motivation for all yes all of your actions? Don't believe that lie that says that "what you do in private doesn't hurt anyone else" that is a lie!!!! Man I'm on the rebellion tip right now, read our bibles, meditate on the word, listen to christian music, listen to christians podcasts, load up my ipod with Jesus, and fellowship all day long. Nobody is doing that stuff. It is easy to curse, to talk about MTV reality smut, meditate to Lil Wayne (secular music), and to hit the bars to pour it up with Joe Cool and the rest of the loud talkers. Of course your flesh is feeling grieved right now "I don't want to stop doing all that". Our flesh is lazy and sinful do the math, you have to fight with courage to see the Kingdom of Heaven and be with the Father. Being a christian is hard and it was meant to be that way otherwise everyone would be doing it. Let's be rebels and start living this thing with boldness.
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to this world but be tranformed by the renewing of your minds"