rebelling against low expectations
It creeps in during the middle of history class. It shows up unannounced on a hot summer day filled with no plans. Boredom. Apathy. Laziness. The older we get, the less often we seem to be plagued by boredom because we stuff our schedules to the brim with sports and activities and homework and friends and technology. But we still feel it. Where does boredom come from? Is it a sin to be bored? The...
Sometimes, we lose sight of what’s truly good in our lives. It seems that the biggest achievement for some is binging a whole TV show in a week. A person may feel validated by partying every weekend. Others pride themselves on their endless Youtube sessions. Regular shopping sprees could be a goal for some. Meanwhile, others are amused by scrolling on Instagram for hours. On the outside, this is...
You are falling—once again—into that sin you confessed weeks ago. The thought you assumed you had vanquished last night is now being entertained. Having just finished your personal devotions, you snapped at your sibling. After a whole day of “saintly” attitude, you congratulate yourself for being so pious, then realize you just fell into pride. Discouraged yet? I’ll admit, I’ve done all of these...
When I first started driving, I remember a day when I glanced in the rearview mirror for a second too long. A friend was following me in her own car, and so I glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure that she was still behind me. Well I must have glanced for a split second too long because when I looked back ahead of me I realized that I was merely inches away from hitting the curb, which I...
When was the last time you looked up at the sky? No, really. Think about it. When did you last stop what you were doing to tilt your head, gaze up, and admire wisps of clouds or an array of stars? How about the last time you said “hello” to a stranger or started a conversation with someone you didn’t know? If your answer is “not much lately” or “maybe sometime last summer” or “I just haven’t”...
In today’s world, coveting isn’t given a second thought. We often covet without remorse, perhaps without even conscious thought. It has become such a common part of our daily lives that we don’t even notice it. We buy our cars and eat our expensive dinners, but we rarely stop long enough to think of what the Bible says about coveting. So, what is coveting? We all know the classic “Thou shalt not...
For many teens around the world, birthdays are a special time. Family and friends gather for parties, presents are exchanged, and candles on the top of the cake are blown out to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” Birthdays are a celebration of another year of life on this earth and even offer opportunities to reflect on God’s work in one’s life. I love birthday celebrations for...
Recently in my youth group, my pastor gave three criteria for examining our actions to see if they are what God would call good: “What kind of actions do you think God would call good?” • Those done in obedience to God’s command • Those done in reliance upon God’s power • Those done for God’s glory But as I thought about them, these three criteria really convicted me. Can we honestly...
If you could ask for anything in the world, what would it be? Tough question, isn’t it? Just think about it for a moment. Maybe money, video games, or a new phone with the latest update…? Whatever you would ask for likely mirrors your heart’s deepest desire, first priority, and ultimate goal in life. But there’s one thing–besides salvation through Christ alone–that every person...
Editor’s Note: Throughout the years, TheReb has published thousands of articles, each challenging and encouraging Rebelutionaries to do hard things and seek God. But among these posts, some have especially resonated with you, our readers. So over the next few weeks and months, we’re bringing back these classics, reposting our most popular and well-read articles every Thursday. May they encourage...
rebelling against low expectations
