We are all rebels and slaves. It is simply a quesation of against what do we rebel and what or whom do we serve. To answer these questions is to understand the soul.

Some, especially those who have been weakened in this world where conflict is the cardinal sin and men no longer sharpen men like iron sparking and slamming against iron, will instantly deny they are rebels. Rebellions are bad, they believe. And yet this is not biblical.

We begin as rebels againt God after the fall. We serve the prince of this world- a cheap, dime store dictator who uses fear and coercion to get what he wants. When we are set free, and, become slaves to Christ, we also redefine our role of resistance. We do not stop resisting. We resist and refuse to consent to the satanic rule of the day. We resist the devil. In that sense, I am in open rebellion against the kingdom of darkness. It is in my nature, and yours to rebel. You just need direction to be able to unlock that passion.

As for slavery, we worship freedom with a near idolatorous obsession in this land. And yet we are not free. No, this is not the usual insert quarter, get bill of rights and loss of liberty rant (though I am happy to track the decline of the american individual and his freedom any ol’ time). Paul will identify himself as a prisoner now. He does not see himself as a prisoner of Rome, but of Christ. He is the bondslave of Christ, the lowly servant. He does even the crap job without complaining. He serves the master.

So, servant of God, do your job. Bear burdens, love enemies, and live holy. And so rebel, resist. Resist the devil and he will flee. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

In open rebellion and feelin’ fine.
E

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