How Tight Are Your Pants?

I read an article the other day about snowboarder Nate Holland who was upset about some snowboarders in the Olympics this year wearing tight pants. The reason for his being upset is because it goes against the "anti-establishment"culture of snowboarding (which as you know is just like skateboarding, only on snow).
These guys have sold out, given in to the established movement in his estimation. The writer however points out that Holland's own Team USA is sponsored by Nike, Visa, and Microsoft...moving pretty much toward the sell out point there with those. On top of that they also point out that Holland will be boarding in "branded pair of fake distressed jeans." What it sounds like here is someone who wants to please the people, yet in secret has sold out.

Here is the point of this. In Luke 21:37-22:6 we find a similar situation (at least in my mind). The religious leaders and authorities are trying to figure out how to get rid of Jesus, (who is rather anti-establishment really) but are having a hard time because of the fact that there are always people around while Jesus is teaching at the temple and they are afraid of what the people would do if they tried to arrest Jesus with them around. They feared a revolt, which could lead to even bigger problems. So they needed a different approach. It was at this time that Judas came to them and basically sold out. He offered to help them find the perfect time, location and means to capture Jesus when the crowds wouldn't be around.

In so many ways we are like Judas in this. We give the appearance of the "anti-establishment" persona when people are watching, and yet we sell out as soon as there is no one to call us on it. Too often we are willing to play the Jesus follower card in public while turning our back on him in private. What we have to remember is that the Bible tells us that what we do in private will eventually be brought to the light. Even if that doesn't happen until we stand before God at our judgment, it will happen. So the question is are we willing to "sell out" for what we want or will we stay true to what it means to follow Jesus no matter what? Peace and Love y'all.