In the space of two days, I saw two chameleons—one bright green and the other dark brown. When my daughter called me over to see the brown one on a tree trunk, it took me a while to find it—further reinforcing my understanding of the way a chameleon changes color to blend in with its environment as a form of camouflage.
But this camouflage thing is only partially true! Truth is, a chameleon changes color primarily as a visual sign of mood and aggression, territory, and mating behavior.
The apostle Paul altered the way he communicated to different people so that they would clearly understand the good news. Although he himself was “free,” he became “a slave” to all people, becoming like them and communicating in a way that would resonate—so that many would come to know and believe in Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:19). When he was with the Jews, Paul lived like a Jew so he could bring them to Jesus. When he was with those who followed the Jewish law, he lived under the law. Even though he wasn’t subject to the law, he did this so he could point others to Christ. When he was with the Gentiles, who didn’t follow the Jewish law, he didn’t emphasize the law in his ministry. All the while, he never ignored or violated the law of God, but continued to obey it (1 Corinthians 9:20-21).
He said, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
May we also meet people where they are today, sharing the good news of Jesus with respect and relevancy as He leads us!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 16:1-15
More:
Read 1 Peter 3:15 and consider how well you are prepared to tell others why you believe in Jesus.
Next:
What’s the most challenging aspect of sharing the hope you have in Christ with others? How can you use common interests to point them to Jesus?
Gary Shultz on November 1, 2016 at 6:31 am
Ruth, there could be a lot to say here. This is also one of those areas, at least for me, that have to be balanced out. However, there is a line you have already noted. We are not undercover agents and I don’t think it was ever intended that we disguise faith to speak of it…It is finding common ground, relating to the person we are speaking. Once again my though would be to allow them to see the effort to level with them as an extension of how much we care about them. That is hard to do in a few moments. We also have the thoughts of standing for Christ in a sin filled world. Swimming up stream in a down stream society, sounds like a book… So to me, the things we are trying to establish is communication and care, being willing to do that at a sacrifice to ourselves and our habits to accomplish it. Many of our missionaries do that every day in their ministries, sacrificing self, showing a willingness to be understanding and respectful of the culture, yet showing care and love. I would think some environments we can not blend into, we will look like the lizard today, a contrast to their world. I’ll admit this passage is still not the easiest to ring out for me, but it is certainly a reminder of our approach to unbelievers. Thanks Ruth.
gagirllive on November 1, 2016 at 7:02 am
“All creatures great and small—the LORD God made them all.” (I must tell myself.) 🙂 Ruth, I don’t like looking at anything that looks even remotely lizard-like, but I’ll admit, this one does have some fascinating characteristics…especially the curly tail! Usually being compared to a chameleon carries a negative connotation, but I like the positive spin you’ve put on it here for the segue into today’s message. You’ve made a very good point about the extent of our witness. There is truly a difference between “blending in” and finding “common ground” with those outside the faith. Paul became all things to all people without ever crossing the line to sin. In an attempt to win others to Christ, I think sometimes the line becomes blurred today for some people. The point is to appeal to the common human experience and conscience that we all share so that we have a starting place to open up conversation about the gospel. I don’t find that too difficult with most people, but there are times when cultural differences and deeply rooted beliefs that oppose the person of Christ are a major obstacle for me. I heard a preacher say that in situations like that, ask those who hold such views how they manage their sin. How are their sins taken care of? There is no Savoir or sacrifice in any other religion that can take care of the sin problem we all have. Apart from Christ, they all depend on their own efforts to be right with God. I am praying to have this conversation with my very religious neighbors from the Middle East soon. They are new neighbors (2 years), and I have been building relationship and finding common interests with the wife in that we both love to cook. (Well, not so much me—I love to eat more than I love to cook.) 🙂 Anyway, we have been sharing food and swapping recipes and getting to know one another through this medium. However, I’m ready to take it to the next level and press through my intimidation to have this very important conversation with her. Your devo today has given me encouragement in that regard, Ruth. The common colors we all share are that our hearts are dark with sin, and only the precious crimson blood of Christ can cleanse us. Praise His name forever! Thanks for this, Ruth. Grace and peace to all.
Tom Felten on November 1, 2016 at 7:55 am
Ruth, as both Gary and gagirl have pointed to, I think there’s another key “C” to be considered as we strive to communicate God’s truth and love to others: Community. Finding Common ground in cooking together, sports, music, etc., is a great start. Ultimately, this can lead to true community—fellowship, sharing life—with them. I’m praying that God will continue to open the doors to relationships, common ground, and true community with my neighbors here in my corner of the world.
sim jing ying on November 1, 2016 at 10:41 am
The most challenging thing to share the common hope of Jesus Christ to others is that the uncertain thing that you don’t know next, if you know the future you will be certain to share the gospel with him. I can use my testimony which is related to His by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
sim jing ying on November 1, 2016 at 10:42 am
his*
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on November 1, 2016 at 10:47 am
If you don’t mind, I’d like to add another “C” to this train of thought: Compassion. There are a number of times in the New Testament where we read that Jesus had compassion on an individual or a group of people, which then led to an action on His part (Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:34 etc). Out of compassion, Christ acted. He healed the sick, delivered the tormented, fed the hungry and forgave the guilty. In the same way, when we are moved with compassion for the individuals God has placed in our lives, we are compelled to act and so bring God’s healing, deliverance, sustenance and forgiveness. May we see people through the eyes of Christ today and every day and be moved to bring hope as we act and speak out of a motivation of love for our Savior. God bless you.
tedsenapat on November 2, 2016 at 6:59 am
Great thoughts, Ruth! I do appreciate and enjoy your devotionals!
I was also thinking Paul was also being Contemporary and in Cultural Context with his burning desire to share his love for His Lord, His Jesus who had radically saved him on the Damascus Road!
Blessings on You, Ruth!