Rebel…
For years now I have worked purposefully to live my life in such a way that others would recognize that I am not into conforming to societies’ norms. I don’t run around trying to live my life like a rebel. I am not looking to be viewed as counter-cultural or a rabble-rouser. I just try to live my life my, in the most genuine, honest, open way I can. I try not to hide behind facades or sulk in dark corners because that is not what God has called me to do.
Too many people work very hard to portray a very specific character. They dress a certain way, act a certain way, listen to a certain type of music all in an attempt to propagate an image that will garner them acceptance and approval. The more they immerse themselves in this character they create, the more they become transformed by it, the less of themselves is really left. Every day I watch as students struggle for identity and acceptance into a world that often doesn’t want them for who they are, but who they could be. They jump from one social group to the next adopting all sorts of character traits all in an attempt to belong. These kids have not yet learned that the best way to belong is to be yourself, to develop your own identity.
In 2008 Christian Hip-Hop artist Lecrae released Rebel, his third album. The title track is an indictment against conforming to social norms, and uses the example of Jesus Christ as the prototypical “Rebel.” “Jesus was a rebel, a renegade, outlaw/A sanctified troublemaker but He never sinned, naw/and He lived His life by a different set of Rules/the culture ain’t approve so you know they had to bruise him.” The body of the song focuses on how people are influenced by society to make choices that allow them to assimilate. It refers to how the world is “full of sinners” and that if you want to “rebel” you shouldn’t put on a leather jacket and pop a top, but stand up for what you believe in.
There are countless examples in scripture where Jesus stared social pressure in the face and chose not to conform. He ate with prostitutes, he healed on the sabbath, he hung out with lepers, and rubbed shoulders with tax collectors. His disciples were not the cream of the crop. They did not have the highest education or were the best looking bunch. His disciples were fishermen, and one of them wore rags, had a scraggly beard, and ate bugs. But Christ didn’t worry about any of that. He refused to give in to the pressure society placed on Him to conform. Jesus knew that He was uniquely made. He understood that God broke the mold when He made His Son. And I think we forget that God broke the mold when He made each one of us as well. God created each one of us to be uniquely beautiful and precious. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).
So what do we do? What is our action step in this world where sameness is the norm and individuality is discouraged? We accept one another. Christ modeled that acceptance when he chose his disciples and the people he hung out with. Zaccheus was a short, greedy dude, and Christ accepted him. Peter had a little cowardice in him, and Christ accepted him. I am loud, brash, temperamental, and emotional, and I know my Savior accepts me.
So while I am busy trying to live my life in my own unique way, I pray that I can remember that there are other people out there trying to do the same thing. I pray that I can recognize that. I pray that I can follow Jesus’ example and accept those individuals for who they are and not who I think they should be…the way Jesus would. And I pray these same things for you…in my own, unique way.
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Be Blessed
One Love
One God
One Way
Jason
