If you look closely at today’s world of Christianity, there is much in the lives of believers that gives the wrong perception of what true Christianity is. It may vary from aligning ourselves with worldly movements, condoning unbiblical or unchristian values, diluting Christ in the way we live, and conforming to the ways of the world around us. You don’t have to search far to see this: Our phones are directly at our fingertips, and the push of the enemy’s tactics is pressing upon us, seeking to change us. Our words, our actions, our dress, our behaviors, and even the expressions of our countenance have an influence. It is impossible to live independently without influencing others in some way. By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person we encounter is consciously or unconsciously affected. We must reflect and ask ourselves: What influence am I carrying with me throughout my day? Throughout my life? Everything we do is a seed sown that will produce a harvest.
As Christians, God has given us a responsibility from which we are not to run. We are to demonstrate His love, His power, and His righteous character. If, by our good example, we can help others develop right principles and, in turn, they exert the same influence upon others in their family or acquaintance, many will receive blessings. Just as casting a pebble into the pond and a wave is formed, then more waves increase in size, and thus the circle widens, so our influence for God could be. However, the same powerful ripple effect can occur in a detrimental manner.
As strange as it may seem, this topic of Christianity today made me think of chameleons. Chameleons are members of the lizard family, best known for their distinct coloration, which can shift to different hues and degrees of brightness. The large number of species in the family exhibits considerable variety in their ability to change color. For some, it is more of a brightness shift; for others, a plethora of color combinations may be seen. They adapt to their surroundings.
How often do Christians tend to adapt to their surroundings, “blend in” with the world, or simulate unbelievers with whom we associate, depending on where we are or whom we are with? We have a light that isn’t to be dimmed or altered, a distinctness we aren’t to “shift,” a witness that must not be hindered. We must be the distinct salt that Christ desires us to be. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13).
Too often, and seemingly increasingly—especially among younger generations—it appears that the only evidence they give in their lives of their belief in God is the name they bear: Christian. It seems that there is a hesitation to carry Jesus wherever they go, to be uncompromising, undimmed bright lights for Him, distinct salt of the Earth, and genuine representatives of Christ. Where is the evidence for this? It’s in the kind of fruit that is revealed in our lives—every area of our lives. Genuine Christianity isn’t a garment we put on and take off as it’s convenient. It isn’t limited to something we live out only at church on the Sabbath. It isn’t something we dilute based on what our peers think of us. It isn’t dependent upon our particular environment. If we have Christ living in us, then we will carry Christ with us in everything we do, wherever we go. He will be revealed.
Watering down the influence of Christ will give others the false impression that there is no difference between the people of the world and those of Christ. God’s people need to be living like God’s people. We need to bear the fruit Christ wants us to bear. How does this fruit appear everywhere in our lives? It will begin to appear when the experience of repentance and conversion is brought individually into our lives. It is by revealing that I am a new person and the old me has passed away. I am changed in character, believing the Truth pertains to me personally, and the burden to make known to others the transforming power of the grace of Christ. If we are no different than the world, how will we win anyone to Christ? We must have a genuine conversion experience with Jesus, not that we are perfect, but the manifestation of Christ’s power is daily working in us.
The apostle Paul says, “Let him who is taught the Word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:6-7).
Call to Action
This is a wonderful truth. This is also a two-edged sword: the choices we make in this life will be our choices through all eternity. We will receive either eternal life or death. There is no middle ground. We are called to overcome as Christ has overcome. He has given us every ability and power from Heaven to do so. We must recognize our need for Him, repent, and ask Him each day to change our hearts and our lives to reflect Him more fully wherever we go, asking Him to remove any roots of unlovely, un-Christlike behavior in us. We must be constantly clothed in His righteousness. We must ask God to help us recognize our need.
I love the following statement: “The more the heart is wrapped up in Christ, the more secure is the treasure in the eternal world.”1
I don’t know about you, but I want my heart wrapped up in Christ constantly. I want the treasure of being with Jesus in the eternal world. I want to reflect Him more fully and carry Him with me at all times, everywhere I go, no matter the circumstance. This is my prayer and desire. Will you join me in praying for these things?
“The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the Word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.”2
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13
May our hearts be open and allow God to accomplish His work in us. This is no time to be a chameleon Christian!
All scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Ellen G. White, Reflecting Christ (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1985), 287.
- Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1892), 65.
