There will be times, perhaps many, where we will be called upon to "give an account for the hope that is within us." The chances to speak truth, stand up for what we believe, rebel against something we know to be wrong might go against the set culture. "This is your chance to stand up for what you believe, but you're afraid. What will people think? What if you say something wrong? Why is this so difficult?"

"...[A] rebelutionary hard thing--taking a stand, even when it's unpopular. This is one of the hardest things for teens (or anyone, really) to do. It goes against our natural desire to fit in, to be liked, to make friends. There's nothing quite like it for putting our convictions to the test. We'll look honestly at some of the costs of that decision--you could lose friends and popularity, you could lose opportunities, and in some countries you could even lose your life." When you do things that you know go against the crowd, you'll quickly find yourself at odds with the world. Yet as my sister Katsy likes to say, "If you go with the flow, you'll end up in the sewer." What exactly are we trying to prove by rebelling against things we know are wrong, doing what's right? If we're trying to parade the fact that we're different around, our hearts are in the wrong place. We are all miserable, worthless sinners, saved only by the loving mercy and grace of God. We don't want people to see the word Christian, we want people to see the Christ. All for His glory. We can't wait around to make a stand, we can't just sit around, but at the same time we can't go around expecting praise because we dare to be different. We bring glory to God by obeying Him. We have to show the world that our home is in Heaven, not with them. In it, not of it. Keep this in mind: "...true Christian faith will permeate our lives. It means that whether you watch a certain movie or laugh at a certain joke tells you and others something about the state of your heart."

But is it worth it? "When we take a stand for God, we'll often suffer persecution of different kinds. But God IS at work. Good is being accomplished in many lives--and so often WE are the beneficiaries." Jim Elliot, missionary to the Auca people in Ecuador, said this of walking the walk and not just talking the talk: "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Yeah it's hard but heck it's worth it, that's my opinion.

Here are some tips for taking a stand and channeling it in the right way; so many people so often forget that it's not about us. We want the world to see that we're different because God's Spirit within us goes against everything that the world teaches, glorifies and lusts after.  "Start with the Bible. Examine yourself. Listen to your conscience. Seek godly counsel. Be humble, loving, and bold. Be part of the solution."

"Challenging cultural norms starts with you and with the commands from God you already know but may be used to ignoring. This doesn't mean you have to be perfect before you can instruct anyone else, but it does mean you must be fighting the fight yourself. People who aren't even trying to practice what they preach are called hypocrites. Don't be a hypocrite."

Yet this bring us to a certain point. Don't build up a haughty reputation for being against everything, be FOR something. Be for and in the fight for God, and the glorification of Him. Violent protesting vs. humble boldness. There's a shadowed line there and we have to be close to God to see it. We were put here on this earth for a reason; how would it be if we acted like God's plan wasn't good enough for us? Make it your goal to show people God's plan for all people to rise above what we've made this world to be.

"If a challenge comes to mind, don't ignore it. Take a first rebelutionary step. The hard thing you're contemplating may be the biggest, most difficult, and most rewarding hard thing you've ever done. Don't miss this good thing God is inviting you to do, and don't tell yourself it doesn't matter. Doing what is right always matters--and it matters now."

Questions for Discussion:

Is there some kind of stand you are in a position to make but haven't yet? How can you overcome the thing that's holding you back from doing it?

Is there something wrong you're doing and haven't given up? How can you get back on the track of doing the right thing?

How can we do all this? Is it our own strength we draw upon to accomplish hard things?

May God bless you, and may His light pierce your darkness!

~PIP~

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Comments

Mar. 16, 2009 - Thanks!

Written by gelpenprincess

Thank you for the comment! No, I don't mind being called cute. By the way, I've been wearing that cowboy hat for three days straight :D. And R.K. had nothing to do with Coridin. He's not injured, or anything. I'm confused cuz he thinks he's really sick and has Red Fever, but he's not got a fever at all.

~Hailey

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Mar. 16, 2009 - ello

Written by RuthRose

Okay, the paperazzi JUST whent away. how did I get rid of them? Courage, Good Looks, and I threw a box of doughnuts at them on the other side of the street. They ran, ate, forgot what they were doing, and whent home. (escuse my bad grammer, lol) anyways, what up? :)

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Mar. 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Written by ZELLY

*sweeps a curtsy* Hallo Sawthuhn Prince Charming! *is laughing very hard and trying not to snort!!!!* ;-D
G.B. made a loverly Sawthuhn Belle! haha, I was just on and I happened to pass by your page. =D =D =D haha, my mum and dad kept looking at me so weirdly because i was laughing at you guys!!!!!! Next time don't eat so many baked beans and flapjacks and bacon!!!!! I luved the cuttakes. =D AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*hugs* Thanks for the laughs!!!! [notice I didn't giggle, I laughed]
haha,
God bless,
little sis Zelly~

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Mar. 18, 2009 - The Irish Eye.

Written by RuthRose

wow, that sounds like a hoot! :) me, I'm wearing my grean panda shirt, and my grandma is making dinner.
hopefully were going to play Poker. (though, probolay not. EVERYONE know's I'm a VERY good poker player and they dont wanna lose there money) ack!
the paperazzi! back! back you foul beasts! I've got doughnuts so back! back!

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