Show Your Colors

Read: James 4:4-10 “Hey there, Noah,” Mr. Davis called from his yard as Noah passed by his neighbor’s house. “Problems? You don’t look very happy.” Noah walked over to talk with him. “My friends are all mad at me,” he said. “Some of my school friends told some of the kids at church that I said bad things about them.” “And did you?” Mr. Davis asked. “Well, the kids at school are always gossiping about people they know, so I started doing it too.” Noah wiped a hand across his eyes. “I didn’t want them to tease me for not joining in, so I told a few stories about the kids at church. The thing is, I didn’t even like it—I felt bad because they’re my friends and I knew it was wrong—but now they say I’m two-faced, and no one likes me anymore.” Mr. Davis sighed. “Noah, you remind me of a chameleon—a lizard that changes colors. When it’s against the bark of a tree, it turns brown. When it’s against a leaf, it turns green. Now, God intended for chameleons to be that way so they could protect themselves from predators, but He didn’t intend for Christians to be like that. He wants us to show our true Christian colors all the time.” “But it’s hard to be so different from the other kids,” Noah said. “Well, Jesus never said it would be easy to follow Him. The Bible tells us that being a Christian often means people will make fun of us for loving Jesus and obeying Him. After all, Jesus was mocked by the very people He set out to save, and sometimes we’ll be treated badly too. That’s why we need to depend on Him for the strength to show our true colors instead of trying to blend in. When you refuse to join in your school friends’ gossip, you’re showing them how Jesus is helping you love others and treat them with kindness.” Noah sighed. “I guess I should apologize to both my school friends and my church friends, huh?” “I think that would be a good place to start,” Mr. Davis said. “And tell Jesus you’re sorry too. He’ll forgive you and help you show your true colors so others will know you belong to Him.” –Barbara J. Westberg How about you? Are you like a chameleon—trying to blend in with those around you? Depending on who you’re with, do you sometimes tell mean jokes and make fun of people, and other times act in a kind, loving way? As a Christian, Jesus wants you to show others His love all the time, not just when it’s convenient. Trust Him to help you let your true colors stand out. Today’s key verse: Do not offer any part of yourself to sin…but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life. Romans 6:13 (NIV) Today’s key thought: Be true to Jesus