rebelling against low expectations

Is there anything important left for young people to do?

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CARSON WRITES: It often seems to me that everything that can be discovered, developed, or invented is already discovered, developed, or invented. And then if there is something to be done, you don’t realize it until someone else does it. What can we do about such a dilemma?


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are submitted by real rebelutionaries who are looking for godly answers to tough questions and lively conversation with other young adults. You can join the conversation by commenting below. If you'd like to submit your own discussion question, email us at [email protected].

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  • Don’t worry, there is more to do. There will be until Jesus comes back. Start with prayer. Read the book Extreme Prayer by Greg Pruett, and take a look at the site pioneerbible.org. There is lots to do, lots that you can do now. The question is are you willing?

  • Hey Carson!

    Your question made me remember when I had a very similar thought that never seemed to completely go away permanently.

    But it made me think, “What were my motives?”

    As Brett knows because an article I submitted, I have always wondered what people thought of me. I wanted to be the “best of the best”, the “coolest of the coolest”, the “most spiritual of the spiritual”, etc. I wanted to be the one who got the glory.

    Now, I’m not saying you’re doing the same thing. But your question did remind me of that.

    Something I need to remember is this: it doesn’t matter what we can think of ourselves, as long as we follow Jesus with 100% abandon. If we can say “Yes” before He even tells us what to do, then He says he will take care of us.

    Can you say “Yes”, before he tells you what to do? 🙂

  • Hey =) im new and this is my first Message=) Well first off think about what we have. We have cars we have factories we even can go to Space! But look at the people in our world. What if we could make a machine that could disperse clean water in any area of the world at any time!?(Lol probably not but…) Also look at america. We are getting bigger and bigger. What if somebody made a hamburger that helped you lose weight! Or a food that can sustain your life for a month! (I would like a iron man armor) Hope I helped. If not then sorry to waste your time.

  • Sorry, I can’t really help with coming up with new ideas. I’m not all that creative in that way ;). But what I would say is that there are many people who come up with great things that need others to help them. Find someone that needs your help, and through that you can get something important done.

    I’ve been thinking, it would be great if The Rebelution would host a page where people can post the “hard things” they are working on and need help with. Then others who have the skills could see it and get in touch with them.

    • That would be one of the best ideas ever! I don’t get ideas very often, but I will work on someone else’s idea, so I would use that page.
      You want to talk to Brett? If this ended up happening, it would be GREAT!

      • Hey, I just read your new bio and it said that you want to make Christian movies for mainstream audiences. What type of capacity are you thinking of for that?

        • You read bios?! I don’t… Especially for people I already “know”!
          I looove acting and I’m told I’m really good, so I want to act. I’ve had some experience with my mime team and a couple of random things, and I’ve worked to improve my abilities on my own.
          Any advice for me on how to act in front of a camera? I’ve worked with one once, when a couple of friends and I decided to make a movie… I kinda cringe when I think about it, because it was early in my acting time and I was really self-conscious.

          • I only read it because I noticed your name and picture changed, so I wondered if your bio changed too. It did. 🙂 Acting…I’ve done a little bit. Can’t say I’m very good at it. Really, the way you act in front of the camera depends on the person directing you and the character you’re playing. Confidence is a main skill that usually has to be learned (even if you’re playing an insecure character, your confidence playing that character still shows through). That’s really all I can say. What was your movie about?

          • Thanks for the advice 🙂
            My movie was “The case of the Missing Spork”. And actually, “movie” is not a very good description. It is a three-minute video. If you want a link, I can get it for you… If you’ll remember that it’s the product of four friends goofing off one afternoon; it’s nothing like what I’m sure yours are!

          • I will watch it, I just haven’t had time yet. Could you leave it up until Monday afternoon? Don’t get me wrong, I still really want to see it! Thanks.

          • Hey, it’s not that bad! I actually noticed that whoever your camera person was did a couple of things that super-amateurs wouldn’t have thought of. It did seem a little anti-climactic though. But oh well. We’re you the girl who only made one sound?

          • The camera person knows her way around cameras… I think it’s been a hobby of hers for a while.
            The ending was kinda “Oh, Laura has to leave — but we want to finish it first!” So we hurried, and that was the result…
            Yeah, I was that girl.
            I think we made that a year and a half ago! Wow, time flies…

          • Yeah, it’s stuff like that that you’ll remember the most when you grow up. The good times I’ve had with my friends and family are some of the best memories I have. And sometimes, making movies is the best way to do that.

            But that’s still cool stuff. Our earlier movies were more along the lines of what you all made. But since my brother wants a career in film making, we just decided to step it up a notch.

            Hey, have you seen the new movie Interstellar?

          • No, I haven’t. The newest movie I saw was Captain America 2, I think.
            How was it? Even though I don’t really watch many new movies, I’m not adverse to them or anything, so if it was good I’d check it out 🙂

          • It’s really good! It’s pretty long, but the story is very interesting, especially if you like science and space physics. Do you like science?

          • Sounds good :-). Well, it depends on the science — I love Biology and all related classes (anatomy, botany, etc.) but I don’t really appreciate the math-based sciences like Chemistry and Physics. I mean, I can do the math side so far as I’ve gotten, but I don’t enjoy it the same as I’ve enjoyed the last three years of study in the life sciences department.
            FTR I haven’t done a full chem course, so I could be mistaken. I’m going off of my experience with the math-based modules in earlier books like Physical Science.

          • Wait a minute, don’t you do Apologia science? And since you’re a sophomore, are you doing Chemistry or Biology?

          • I did Biology in 8th grade, Marine Biology in 9th, and I’m doing their Advanced Biology book (anatomy with a cooler name) in 10th. And yes, I did Apologia from General Science on through now 🙂
            Why?

          • I remember having a conversation on here about Apologia science. I thought you were in the group, so I mentioned it again. I’ve done Apologia from General Science up through Chemistry, and I’m really enjoying Chemistry. But man, you really seem to enjoy Biology! And yes, Chemistry and Physics are math-intensive, so just be prepared for a lot of math if you ever take one of them.

            And regarding the movie, if you like astronomy and space/time theories and such (I don’t know if you’ve heard of that, but its a physics concept), then you would enjoy it. But its an overall good movie.

          • Yep, I like Biology much better than the mathematics… it’s harder for me, and I never got excited about it like I do when I find something interesting in the life-sciences.
            I’ve heard of space-time theories; I’ve enjoyed some books with that idea interwoven with the story. Maybe my brother and I can watch it when he’s back for the summer… sounds like one he’d enjoy, too 🙂

          • It is good, I will say that. Hey, have you ever heard of Summit Ministries for apologetic material?

          • No, I haven’t… I assume you like it? I want to learn more apologetics, especially if I’m getting ready to head off to a college in a couple of years, where I’ll have to be ready to defend my faith against everyone, without family to back me up, if you get my drift.

          • I completely understand, and that is exactly what pulled me to it. They are based in Colorado and actually give week long courses specifically for people going to college. I highly recommend their stuff for high schoolers if you can get your hands on it.

          • Help! Somebody, how do I remove a YouTube video from a comment? @programguy:disqus, can you help me?

    • And you could submit your ideas, and projects, and build a team to collaborate with if it’s something bigger than you can handle.

      • I was thinking more along the lines of projects that may not even be started yet, or even for people to post about things they are willing to help with and those with projects finding them.

        • Ah! I see. That would be very useful! Do you actually have a plan to implement that, or was that something that just came off the top of your head not too long ago? Either way is fine, I was just wondering.

          • I would certainly be willing to work on setting it up but I’m not sure what my options are without paying a bunch of money for hosting. I’ll look into it.

          • I’m looking at doing a web-based project myself, and I haven’t done a ton of research yet, but x10hosting has some pretty reasonable rates for a site 🙂

          • I’ve been messing around with their service. If you want you can take a look at the (mostly incomplete) site I’ve been working on at doingtogether.x10.bz

    • @mimeforjesus:disqus, @elisabethsullivan:disqus, @disqus_k0BsmOKhxl:disqus, @disqus_rxHwcqpiM4:disqus, @disqus_zxr2krNx5O:disqus, @graysonzaragoza:disqus, @disqus_4aLd26vJM2:disqus, @prayerwrrior:disqus, @samwegner:disqus, Just so you guys all know, there’s now a site live and (mostly) finished I have been working on over this Easter break. Create an account if you want, and post away. doingtogether.x10.bz

  • Well, let me draw on the ancient Rebelutionaries of old. First of all, a quote: see a need, fill a need. The great scientists of modern times may not have known what they were going to spend the rest of their lives doing when they began their scientific research. Take Pasteur, he saw that rabies was a huge killer in his community. He studied the disease, found out what made it tick, then developed a cure for it. He noticed a problem and developed a solution for that problem. It’s the same way in society with us Rebelutionaries. Although we may not be in the fields of science or politics now, we can still look for ways to fix problems that we see around us. We all see problems in the world that need to be fixed (I won’t name any here). But there are ideas to maybe fix that problem that only you have. So find something (although it may not seem like there are many more opportunities to invent or develop, they are still out there) and research and pour your heart and soul into your project. Maybe its inventing something that prevents kids’ brains from being damaged by cell phones. Maybe it’s abolishing abortion in America (hey, people said Wilberforce and Lincoln were never going to abolish slavery, and look how they turned out).

    Don’t give up and I hope this helps.

  • That all depends on your definition of “important.” But, like @trent_blake:disqus said, If we say “yes” to Jesus, and follow where He leads, He will take care of the rest.

    I believe there is important work to do, and that there will be until Christ returns. There are people in this world who have never heard the sweet name of Jesus! There’s important work, right there, and i know i need to be doing better sharing the Gospel. Important isn’t always big and flashy, but there IS work to do… right now!

  • A patent officer said in 1899, “everything that can be invented has been invented.”
    I think we’re probably just as wrong when we think that everything worth doing has already been done… Do we know what to do? No! But there is still work for us, nonetheless.

  • The work of the Lord is never finished. 🙂
    Maybe we think there is nothing left to do because we aren’t looking outside of ourselves. God wouldn’t have created us if he didn’t have a job for us. Maybe we look for the biggest, hardest things to do because it looks important. But someone who gathers the vegetables from the garden are just as important as the person that planted the seed. (Weird analogy I know, but I couldn’t think of anything else! haha) 🙂 My point is, that the work is never done. Sometimes we look towards the biggest things and miss the small things that are just as important jobs. 🙂

  • Wow! Thanks for all the advice!!! 😀 I love having random people who are also my siblings in Christ give me great godly advice! Thanks again!!

    • I know right!! It’s great talking to my brothers and sisters in Christ online!! You get all types of advice, and encouragement. Also, someone can help you see something in a different way. We’re all growing together! 🙂

  • Has everyone in the world heard the good news of Jesus Christ? Has Jesus come back yet? Are you saved? Has everyone in the world heard the good news of Jesus Christ? And have I asked if everyone in the world has heard about the good news yet? 😉

    These things are far more important than any technological advances.

    So, yes, there is lots of work yet to be done.

    And you can help. =)

  • Until Christ returns, the most important thing left to do is available to young people (and old ones too, for that matter). As long as there are unsaved people and unreached people groups, the most important work is left for us!

    A lot of times it’s our definition of “important” that gets in the way. We (I’m including myself in this) like to think of important as big, grandiose, new, creative, praiseworthy, etc. In reality, important has nothing to do with those things. It can include them, but it’s not forced to. Important is simply something that needs to be done.

    So that said, there are plenty of important things left to do for Christ!

  • I will answer your question with a question, does the world have another YOU?? NO!!
    you are unique and no one is evenly remotely close to who God made you. You don’t have to invent something spectacular to be a spectacular, well YOU!! Picture it this way; when you tell yourself you have no chance to be awesome, you put a wall in front of your eyes. When you tell yourself that God made you spectacular and through Him you have the opportunity to do spectacular things you can come to be MORE than spectacular in your walk with Christ.

  • I love this topic=) see I am thirteen but I really feel god drawing me here. Like I need to do something but I dont know what! Please help. I need prayer and guidance from the wise (you guys). Thank you!

    • Wise? We wish! 😛 Honestly, we’re just as normal as anyone else! (Well, apart from wanting to do hard things, of course. :D) I hope we can be an encouragement to you as you seek God and what He’s leading you to do. 🙂

    • Why don’t you start by getting some tracts from your local booksore (if you have one) or online and aiming to talk to one person a day about the gospel?It’s a start.

    • I’m praying for you Benji! I think @disqus_N3wyQSXW1f:disqus’s advice was really good…start with sharing the Gospel because that’s the best thing you can do. I also need to do that more often, so pray for me too if you get the chance. And don’t forget to ultimately look to God for guidance in your life. I’m glad He is drawing you to the reb! I get lots of encouragement from my fellow rebelutionaries on here!

    • Hey @disqus_JrbKYTujjE:disqus! I’m Ezra. Kinda obvious 🙂 Welcome! Can’t wait to hear about your idea! Also, check out @christandelle:disqus ‘s comment on this topic.

    • Welcome to the Rebelution! My advice: start with the people around you. Doing hard things can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, or giving someone a cookie from your lunch. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the world of difference in someone’s life, a smile or a kind word can really make someone’s day.

      • I agree Joy. Some hard things are things that seem small, like doing chores, or cleaning your parents room for them as a surprise. Maybe, like me, it’s standing up in front of people and sharing what God’s been doing in your life. God gives us opportunities everyday.

  • Well, y’all have already said some great things, so I’m not sure how much I’m contributing here, but what the hey, I may as well chuck in my two cents! 🙂

    First off: not everything important is ‘discovered, developed or invented.’ As so many others have said, what about sharing Christ? And even beyond that, what about all the things like fighting against abortion, or slavery, or poverty? Who’s going to write the books to empower young Christians, who’s going to take back Hollywood for the Lord by making quality films? Who’s going to [fill in the blank]? We, as young people, are needed!! Badly!

    Secondly, I believe that God can and will lead you to do something for Him that needs to be done. You may think everything has been thought of and done, but God has a habit of surprise His children who are willing to let Him work! He may lead you into something you’d never even thought or dreamed of doing. At any rate, He is leading you right now when you choose to do small hard things for Him. Keep being faithful, and I guarantee that God will continue to show you how He want to use You to carry out His mission.

  • Until the day that every soul has heard the gospel and believed, there will be plenty to be done. There is no greater nor harder thing.

  • Ephesians 2:10New Living Translation
    10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

    Whatever good things God has planned for each masterpiece(you and me) to do…you can believe that it is important in God’s eyes that we complete them.

      • I work as a custodian at a high school and I am around 1700+ teenagers everyday. I know that your articles are written by teens and thought that I could use them to relate to today’s generation. I also teach the high school boys Sunday School class at my church. Just turned 65 last December.

  • As so many other people have pointed out, there are a lot of problems in society, like Abortion, Homosexuality, poverty, human trafficking. and for every problem there is at least a hundred things an individual can do to help fix those issues.

  • OF COURSE THERE ARE THINGS YOUNG PEOPLE CAN DO!!! You can feed the homeless and less fortunate at a homeless shelter. You can do small acts of kindness. Mowing lawns for the elderly on your block and doing other yard work. Encourage other teens who are going through a tough time. Be there for your friend. It doesn’t always have to be a change the world. First change your block, then your neighborhood, then your town.

  • I haven’t read much of the comments on here, so I’m probably just repeating what many of you have said.

    As long as evil is running rampant through the streets, there will be something for us to do. Evil will not leave this earth until the day that Jesus comes back, so we have a lot that we can devote ourselves to.
    Also, if God has given you an idea of something he wants you to do, go for it! That’s something involved in doing hard things.
    Everyday when you wake up, ask God how He can use you for His glory.

  • My take on this: the most important thing ALL people should do still lacks the “workforce.”

    The task? Advancing His Kingdom.
    The workers: I believe, more than half the Earth’s population.
    The ‘working’ workers: Maybe just a quarter (or even far far less) of half of the Earth’s population.

    You get the picture here? Of course what I’ve written doesn’t have any statistical proof. But that’s the thing: not everyone knows Jesus and what He’s done for us yet. That means the most important task for all humankind isn’t done yet. That’s where we should act on. :]

    • Excellent point! I ditto this comment, and would emphasize discipleship as well (which is part of advancing the Kingdom). Just a quick stat on that: only 9% of professing Christians have a Biblical worldview (Barna group). Let’s not stop at evangelism! Props, Christelle- keep up the good work.

  • Is there anything for young people to do???? Hmmmm…lemme think. Don’t think so…except of course live a day-to-day training so that we’ll be prepared to become the leaders of the next generation both spiritually and politically. That’s quite generic, but there’s SO much that we can put into that category. A teen. That’s exactly what Abraham Lincoln was before he became president. That’s what D.L Moody was before he became an evangelist. Just thoughts.

  • Absolutely. But it is often a surprise where He takes you and how He uses you. And it is always more than you imagined.

  • God has a lot in store for us to do, rather it’s feeding the poor, sharing Jesus with someone on the street, encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, or writing a book. God has an assignment for all His people, whatever the age, until He comes back.

  • “Jesus said that he will return when every one of his Chosen has heard and believed. As long as Jesus has yet to return we still have work to do. ” -Adoniram Judson

    (Slightly paraphrased because I don’t remember the exact quote. )

  • Well, it depends on how you define important. If you mean that important means inventing something that will solve world hunger or developing a machine that cures cancer, then most of the teenage generation might throw their hands up in exasperation and say “I’m out”. God did not create us ALL to do the BIG things, He created us to do hard things. And let me just say that doing the small things doesn’t mean that its easy.
    Carson, we are all called to further His kingdom. That doesn’t have to mean that we solve all of the worlds problems with machines, policies and brilliant compromises. We have been put here on earth to love people the way He has loved us, grieve with those who grieve and embrace servanthood with everything that we are.

  • As long as there is one person in the world who doesn’t know Jesus, there is work to be done.

  • of corse there is still work!! as long as there is a living thing on this planet, there is always work to be done. even if it’s as small as helping a friend or something huge like saving a species, there is always something important to do.

    don’t give up! a lot of people that think that there’s nothing for them to do in this world will just give up. but that’s not what God wants. He wants us to keep worshiping him and doing everything for him.

  • I want to be a meteorologist and sometimes I wonder that as well and I feel like weather is my calling I feel I can reach people for Jesus even by so much as changing the way forecasting is done so they don’t miss a meeting because maybe that meeting may change their lives in the physical and spiritual world

rebelling against low expectations

The Rebelution is a teenage rebellion against low expectations—a worldwide campaign to reject apathy, embrace responsibility, and do hard things. Learn More →