I was reading about chameleons this week. I found out that they do change color to camouflage themselves. Watch this video and see for yourself (I found the audio to be annoying, so you may want to turn your speakers down) …
I also discovered that chameleons are more likely to change color, and with more intense color, when they are scared. Emotion, not habitat, is a stronger affecter of the change. Simon Peter shows up in today’s text from Galatians, and reveals himself to be a bit of a chameleon.
I also discovered that chameleons are more likely to change color, and with more intense color, when they are scared. Emotion, not habitat, is a stronger affecter of the change. Simon Peter shows up in today’s text from Galatians, and reveals himself to be a bit of a chameleon.
Do you remember how bold Peter was just before Jesus was arrested for trial and crucifixion? “Everyone else may abandon You, Lord, but I’ll never leave you!” “I’d die with You before I’d ever turn my back on You.” But then, Jesus gets taken into custody and the whole city becomes hostile toward Him. Where do we find Peter? Swearing over and over that he doesn’t even know Jesus! When fear kicked in, the chameleon took over. Peter pretty intensely changed his colors.
It appears old behaviors die hard. Paul writes how Peter went to Antioch to visit the church there and observe the fresh phenomenon of Gentiles coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah. Peter is engaged and enjoying table fellowship with the Gentiles, until other Jewish Christians show up. Out of fear for what his Jewish brethren might say, he draws back from the Gentiles. Paul has to call him on his ‘lizard-like’ behavior. People-pleasing and old loyalties are not what the gospel is all about. “Decide what your theology is, Peter, and stand on it!” “Don’t be changing colors based on your emotional state.”
Do you ever get a little wishy-washy with your faith? Do you ever back off of what you believe based on the company you’re with or on the way you feel around different groups of people? Of course, it all becomes quite dicey when you’re in the company of two contrasting views. What DO you believe and how much are you willing to defend your position?
Paul was convinced that Jesus had come to fulfill the purpose of the Law and place right relationship with God squarely in the realm of faith. Being good with God is not a function of good enough behavior. It comes from Jesus taking our bad behavior to the cross. And some of those bad behaviors are being “two-faced,” hypocritical, lacking in integrity, and living to please people instead of pleasing God.
God is pleased not to have any chameleons in His house.
Pray: God of love and truth, let Your love cast out all my fear so that I may defend the truth in every situation. The world is not disinterested in faith; it questions and challenges faith. And I want to be a sound advocate for Your gospel. Keep me from wavering and waffling. Make me a reliable mouthpiece for Your Word.
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