April 24, 2019
Don't be a Chameleon
I remember being fascinated by chameleons when I was in elementary school. You know, kids learn about all sorts of things in those early years from the weather cycle to rocks and even reptiles. It was fascinating to me that these lizards can change their colors depending on their surroundings. Of course, this may have several functions one of which is a defense mechanism that helps them hide from predators.
Yet, we are taught throughout the New Testament to not worry what people think about us or even what they may do to us. We should not even fear being killed by others for the sake of Christ. While chameleons may change colors to hide from predators, Christians are not to worry about enemies. We are to love our enemies, pray for them, and continue to witness to them concerning the things of God.
The apostle pleads with the church in Rom 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." What a fitting passage to meditate on at any point in the Christian life. New Christians need to learn this message, and long-time Christians need to be reminded of it. Unlike the color-changing chameleons, we are not supposed to conform to the world around us. We don't think like they do, we don't value what they do, and we even look different than they do because the knowledge we have changes the way we act.
To put it in Jesus' words, we can look to Matt 5:14, "You are the light of the world." Of course, He goes on to say in verse 16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." So, we are not to hide out, blend in, and protect ourselves. We are to stand out from the world around us so that we may point people to God. Giving your life to the Lord should have several noticeable effects. Let the work of the Lord in your soul show out in your good works, not for the purpose of bringing attention to yourself but for the glory of God.
Live for the Lord. Seek to glorify Him. Have an impact on the world around you. Obey God no matter the costs. Put your hope in Him. For the sake of God and His Gospel, don't be a chameleon.