I am not by nature a rule breaker or one to not uphold the law. But sometimes it just seems like I might push to the edge rebellion or law breaking without actually breaking the law. I am not mischievous or defiant. I just know the limits and choose to live within them. And it seems my kids seem to be the one that remind me of this fact.

For instance, there was the time I was down at the Alamo in San Antonio. That is a great historic place to see. To help me remember the place, I had my 35mm camera and decided to take some pictures. I did not notice the sign that said, “NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY!” After one picture and flash and three security personnel at my side, I got the message. So off goes the flash, reset shutter speed to slower setting, pop a few more pics. AND…a security guy comes up and says “We said no pictures!” I replied that the sign said “NO FLASH…” Then after a stern look he walked off but never more than 10 feet from me. REBEL!

Similar to that was the time I was in Virginia – Lynchburg to be exact. Lynchburg is a city that is historic in itself. We are visiting a house that Jefferson had stayed at. Again, no flash pics. I remember the previous lesson and just use camera with no flash. The tour guide reminds me very sternly and made sure I abided by the policy. She also stated, “I guess I am going to have to watch you. You look like trouble!” REBEL!

My kids’ most memorable act of treason for rules has got to be the time we were vacationing in New York City. We were doing a bus tour of the northern part of the city. It was a double decker bus with the upper level open air. We chose the upper level as we could have a better view of all the sights. I am thinking this is great as there is not a sign saying anything about any photography, and I have my camera ready. Pictures to the left, right, in front of me and behind. There is a lady pointing out the various sights.

I am reminded of the one rule that is in effect but not published. It is an audible rule. Guess how I found out? Yep, I broke it. “NO STANDING UP WHILE BUS IS MOVING!” I very innocently violate that one and was given a stern warning to keep in my seat. Fair enough, good rule and safety is always good.

Now, taking it to the limit, we stop at a traffic light, and there is a picture-worthy scene to my right with lots of people in the way. The bus is not moving, the picture is awesome – once in a lifetime! AND I stand to take it. Of course the tour lady turns about the time I stand and boom…nailed.

“Sir, I SAID NO STANDING!” Then without thinking, it was out of my mouth before I could stop it: “Ma’am, the bus is not moving, it is STOPPED. You said no standing while bus is moving.” My kids are sure I am getting thrown off the bus right there. My wife is like, “REALLY?” The other passengers are looking like, “You did say while moving?” The bus guide looked at me very intently and replied “You’re going to be trouble, I can tell.” I kept my seat the rest of the trip. REBEL!

And these are just few of the many stories I can tell. My point is that I never officially broke the rules or any law, I just pushed to the edge. I wasn’t disrespectful or anything. I just knew what I wanted and was going to get it even if it meant pushing or bending the rules. In my eyes I was justified and right. The folks around me were only doing their jobs. I was just making it difficult.

Rebels are found in the Bible. David was a rebel defying the Philistine armies fighting and defeating Goliath. Jeremiah was a rebel prophesying doom while the false prophets gave only good news. Elijah was a rebel standing against an evil king, Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Hosea was considered a rebel marrying a prostitute. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were rebels refusing to bow to the statue causing them to be thrown into the fiery furnace, while Daniel was cast into the lions’ den when caught praying to Jehovah God.

Peter and John, as well as all the apostles, were thrown in jail and even beaten because they wouldn’t stop preaching Jesus. Paul was imprisoned, stoned, beaten and shipwrecked all for the name of Jesus.

Then there are the rebels in the bad way, the evil kings of Israel and some in Judah. King Saul for not destroying the Agites and seeking a witch at the end of his life. Jonah ran from God to keep from going to the Ninevites.

There are rebels for the good and bad. You must decide which rebel you will be if you do rebel.

Bro. Tim

First Southern Baptist Church, Gore