Up Close Bird at the KC Zoo- Photo by Jennifer Weiss
A room full of strangers has never been an intimidating thing for me. I don't consider myself an extrovert, but I do enjoy people and getting to know them and their "story". As someone once said, "Everyone has a story!" I believe that to be true. We all are unique and we each add such flavor to the stew of life. When I talk to people, I try to find areas that we have in common, things we both can relate to. Social aptitude can be such a blessing to the Lord, but there are times, even for Christians that things go awry.
This morning during my devotional time, I was praying and considering the idea of spiritual chameleons. Oh, we've all met them... hey, sometimes we may have been one. You know the type, they seem to blend in with whomever they are with. For some, the chameleon affect is obvious. On Sunday they put on their righteousness, but on Monday they are just as unrighteous as they come. For others, it's more subtle, especially under the guise of Christianity. In this modern era, you slap the word "Christian" on something and gullible believers ingest whatever they hear or see, hook line and sinker (especially if it's what their itching ears want to hear). We've gotten away from discernment and discretion. Nonetheless, these people go back and forth, to and fro, with whatever seems to suit them at the time.
If you've ever taken a science class, you will know that chameleons change their color as a form of camouflage. Camouflage is defined as, "protective, deceptive covering". There are other forms of protection for animals, such as mimicry, where one species will appear to be another to ward off predators. This works beautifully for my gorgeous aviarian friend pictured above, but has not been meant as a spiritual device for us.
God hasn't called us to be chameleons or mimics. He expects us to reach out to others where they are at, but not to assume the character traits, behaviors, or sinful nature of others in order to do so. We should be able to relate to people, Christian and non, through God's love and belief that we are all God's children. He desires that none should perish, but that all would come to the saving knowledge and grace of His atonement for our personal sins.
Rather than being chameleon like, the Word tells us to come out from among them and be separate. Why would the world want Jesus if what you are displaying to them isn't any different from what they see every day? This goes for lude behavior, the use of profanity, lying, etc. People are watching you and you may be the only representation of Jesus that they see.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to blend in like the bird in the above picture. I want to be a fragrant offering to the Lord that is a true representation of someone who isn't perfect, but is redeemed. I want to stick out because I have been cleansed by His blood and work on the cross. I want there to be beauty in the contrast because I have Christ. Just like this picture....
Which picture describes YOU?????
