In light of the recent disturbing news that a convicted felon’s photo has become a viral hit and hundreds of thousands of women are swooning over this “handsome” man — forget that his arrest / conviction history includes weapons, drugs, gangs, theft etc — I decided to share my thoughts on the rebel syndrome.

I see so many girls go for the “bad boy”. They say he’s attractive because he is a rebel. They think that is cool. And by girls, I mean teens to adults. But the “bad boy” is no rebel. The Urban Dictionary has a great definition of a rebel. “Rebel – A person who stands up for their own opinions despite what everyone else says. A true rebel stands up for what they believe is right, not against what is right. It is not about smoking crack, drinking til’ your rendered unconscious, or beating the crap out of anyone that crosses your path. It is all about being an individual and refusing to follow a crowd that forces you to think the same way they do even if it means becoming an outcast to society. The rebels know who they are and do not compromise their individuality or personal opinion for anyone. They’re straightforward and honest and they will sure as hell tell it like it is”.

“Bad boys” aren’t rebels, they are predictible and complete products of everything that the world tells them they should be. They will tell you they aren’t, but just watch a “bad boy” for awhile. My guess is you will have seen at least 10 of him modeled on some television show. My guess is, after a very short time, you will be able to guess just exactly what he is planning to do, what his next move will be. There is not a unique thought nor does he stand up for ideals. Frankly, the only stance a “bad boy” takes is against authority — even when authority is clearly right (and how predictible is that?).

The real rebel — give me a Christian man who is not afraid to praise God, pray in public, live a pure life before and after marriage despite the cajoling and constant pressure from the world to do otherwise.

The world says: have as much sex as you can with whoever you can.
The “bad boy” does (predictable)
The rebel says that is not what God intended, I will save sex for my marriage and honor God and my bride with my purity even though everyone is making fun of me for my choice.

The world says: Do whatever it takes to make money, get ahead, and don’t care even a little for how you do it or who you damage along the way.
The “bad boy” does (predictable)
The rebel says I will follow the path that God has called me to even if that is not filled with glory or dollars — and I will love and support others in my quest. I will not leave ethics or people behind. I will not leave casualties of my conquering even if it means I will not be famous or rich by the worlds standards.

The worlds says: Go for the youngest, prettiest, the easiest… and if you find someone younger, prettier, or easier, drop the first and go for it.
The “bad boy” does (predictible)
The rebel says I will wait for the partner that God has planned for me and she will be my partner for life. Even if others look from the outside and don’t understand, even if the world throws other choices in my path — I will be faithful to God and to the partner he planned for me.

The world says: amass as much stuff and money and gizmos and gadgets as you can, you are what you own.
The “bad boy” does (predictable)
The rebel says I am known by my love for and relationship with Christ and He is all that I need. I may have money or things or gizmos or gadgets, but I use them for His glory and He owns it all. My stuff does not own me.

I don’t kow about you — but I don’t want some boring, predictible “bad boy”, I will take the real rebel any day. Him I will wait for.