Life of a Rebel

What trends do you remember it seemed like everyone wanted to do? Remember the man-bun? What about when tattoos became a big deal? Or piercing certain parts of the body? Do you ever find yourself asking how to make sure people will notice you? How about trying to figure out who you are, or who you want to be portrayed as in the public?

I don’t know about you, but I will hear something to the effect of “I want to be my own person.” What happens? This person seeks out the latest trends to be relevant and cool because we all want to feel like we belong and have a group to live life with. The issue is this kind of thinking, and way of life, is completely dependent on what is happening in society. In no way does this kind of thinking make a person unique.

From what I can see, all of this stems from an attitude of rebelliousness that people do not want to conform to what’s around them. What ends ups happening, though, is we end up having too many “non-conforming conformists” that do not stand out in any way. In fact, many people will just ignore these non-conforming people because nothing really stands out.

With that said, there are many other ways we can stand out, make a name for ourselves, rebel against the culture, and get people to notice you.

Here are some things I have thought of that would make you a real “rebel” in our culture today.

• In a world with instant access to information, seek to understand the information rather than just seek the knowledge. In other words, let the information seep into your brain and way of thinking so you are shaped by wisdom and understanding rather than just trying to make yourself seem smarter for the moment.
• Find ways to ask good questions. We cannot know everything and there is nothing wrong with that. What would happen if we got over not having to know everything and simply ask questions?
• Do good to others for their sake rather than just what you would get out of helping.
• Read. Constantly learn.
• Write. Practice the written language. Journal your day. Learn how to communicate using the power of written (or typed) words.
• Be willing to not take shortcuts. Do the work. Go the extra mile.
• Let people evaluate and assist in your work.
• Don’t worry about people not liking you for being a great employee or leader. Stand out anyway because the world needs people to be change players more than people who sit on the sidelines.
• Look for the beauty in the world rather than just what’s wrong.
• Seek the spiritual side of life instead of just focusing on what we can physically and tangibly see.
• Really want to be a rebel? Follow Jesus. Read the Bible. Learn his teachings.

What else do you think should be added? What are some ways you are living a “rebel” life?