Chameleons for Christ

Ever notice I come up with some rather bizarre titles to these blogs?

A chameleon is a little critter I’m guessing is a member of or relative to the lizard family. He’s noted for his ability to change his body color to match his environment so that he will blend in.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:22 . . . . I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

Coupled with the verses preceding that, this verse means that Paul is willing to adapt to the ethnic/cultural/social environment he steps into in order to convey a relevant message of hope to them. He becomes like them so he can blend with them and relate to them. He’s a social chameleon for the gospel of Christ.

What is the first thing that a missionary does before entering a foreign mission field? Learn the language and the dialect of the region they are going into. The second? The culture. The third? The history. The result? They know the heart language of the people.

Paul was way ahead of the game when it came to knowing the heart language of the variety of cultures he invaded. He was perfect for the job. Given his background he could: speak Greek and Hebrew because of his multicultural parents; mingle with the philosophers because of his superb education, relate to the Pharisee (he was one before his conversion) mingle with the blue collar workers (he was a tent maker by trade). He had the qualifications to cross a lot of boundaries that not everyone was privileged to do. He had the ability to mingle with a lot of people and know their heart language.

Well how does that relate to you and me today? What if we are not “called” to go to the foreign mission field? Can this passage of the Bible still have relevance to us? I believe it does.

Even if you find it difficult to cross socio/economic or ethno/cultural lines, there are still things about who you are that make you a unique persons to talk to a unique group of people. Your age can be a common denominator. Your social activities as well. Are you a soccer mom? Then you have a “tribe” you can relate to! Are you sports enthusiast? Then you have multiple tribes to relate to.
Lost a loved one recently? Then for a season there will be others who grieve that you can relate to. Cancer survivor? Then there is someone to talk to. Victim of a violent crime? Somebody needs to hear your story.

How has God uniquely equipped you to be “all things to all people?”

Stay close to Jesus

REG