Christian Chameleons

 

As a teacher and administrator for the past thirty-one years, I have learned the powerful messages that are hidden within the pages of children's literature. Even as an adult, I identify with the character in Eric Carle's book, The Mixed-up Chameleon. It's the story of a young chameleon who just wanted to be like everyone else. So, unsatisfied with who he was on a particular day, he took on the likeness of every animal he met. Satisfied for a while, he later realized he had assumed the characteristics of so many different animals that he could no longer find himself.

As believers in Jesus Christ, isn't this our story at times? We come to believe it is permissible for something or someone other than God to shape our character. In doing so, we become Christian chameleons and compromise our convictions for comfort to be like the rest of the world. Staying true to our convictions and beliefs nowadays is tough to do! The world cries out to us through media, music, literature, and even those we are in contact with daily. A subtle message permeates us through influences that say we need to change, get with the times, be more tolerant, and justify what society says is acceptable.

Adopting a worldly view is an almost certain way to not be in sync with God's view and direction for our lives. Standing for truth is like a wrestling match between truth and falsehood. The fight is not quick but rather a slow fading of the values that once produced firm conviction and direction. It's an erosion of the heart that was once in tune but chooses to cross over the line - to compromise. It is an indifference brought on by the hard knocks of life not given to the Lord and the notion that giving in is less painful. It's like a race, and as truth slides across the finish line, the white flag of surrender raised, yields compromise, not peace or sound direction. Before we know it, like the poor little chameleon, we no longer know who we are or what we stand for.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, chapters 15-16, the word of God reminds us that it is not a new problem but rather an old one; the early Christians of Corinth, like us, battled ideals, practices, and beliefs that did not align with the word of God. God's answer to what we should do is the same now as it was then. Truly a timeless response.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Father,

Please guard my eyes that I may not take them off the truth,

Guard my ears so that I may discern the intent of messages given to me by others.

Guard my mouth so I may not use words that hurt but heal.

Guard my mind that I may keep pure thoughts and sound reason.

Guard my heart, dear Father, that I may always be attentive to your direction.

Amen