A rebellious nature creates solid foundation to stand upon
by Lydia Guenther, Guest Reporter
“Naughty can be nice.” I read this off of a Dove chocolate wrapper while indulging, and it started me thinking: the bad or difficult things in life can be beneficial to those who experience them. This applies anywhere from food (junk food always tastes better than healthy) to life partners (the ornerier and more tattooed they are the more adventures you’re bound to have). They’re not always good physically, mentally, or emotionally for you, but these “rebellious” stages sometimes stimulate the growth necessary for a child to evolve into an adult. I’m not saying run out and marry a biker, but think about it.
Rebellion is necessary, if not vital, for success in life. The ability to stand up for yourself and speak your mind has to begin early or you will struggle. I grew up with two sisters who always seemed more opinionated, emotional and louder than me. I regarded these as bad traits at the time, but now that I look back I regret that those characteristics seemed to be missing in my life. They always fought hard for what they considered was right, even at the expense of punishment. Fighting for what you want is not a bad thing, but I think the potential consequences of that kind of action stops a lot of people from trying.
The Lord loves many rebellious, crazy people. He must, because He keeps making them. Strange as this may seem, I think that the more problems you have in your life, the easier the decision to accept Christ into you heart. Rebellious people are the ultimate challenge for God, and when they are saved, they usually have the biggest impact on non-believers. This is biblical. Example: the prodigal son. Long story short, a bratty kid leaves home with money in his pocket (from his dad), which he quickly spends, and returns humbled and sorry. Instead of being chastised by his father, he is welcomed home with open arms. But the son wouldn’t have appreciated the homecoming he received had he not left. Now look at Paul, one of the most remarkable success stories in the Bible. He goes from Jew-hating killer to missionary for God. The passion he had as an angry, embittered man stayed with him, but was transformed into something beautiful. We all need that kind of passion, even when we mess up.
Rebellion can get you into trouble with your parents, but it can save you a lot of pain and despair later on. Being able to stand on your own two feet in the office, in your church and in your relationships is based on what you learn as a child. Abusive relationships are prevalent in our society because of pain, violation and the inability to raise a voice. All abused people share something with each other. They all hope for the best. But that’s all they do: hope. Just like prayer isn’t enough without action, hope is nothing without expectations and values. These expectations and values are learned in childhood, before children have to deal (for the most part) with complex relationships and issues. And the loss of hope leads to the only thing it can: death. So really, rebellion can save your life.
I truly believe the Lord wants us to rebel. Not against Him, but against the world. Not against people, but against prejudice and misunderstanding. He wants us to break out of the mold cast for us by thousands of years of tradition and rituals. He wants us to argue with Him—when we do it means we’re listening. He wants us to be fearless, joyful and truthful people. To rebel is to be different. Rebellion means that you are so dedicated to what you are that other people can’t tear you away from yourself. It’s scary and exhilarating, and what God calls us to. Don’t be afraid of who you could be.