Changing Colors
When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. Luke 11:37-41
INSIGHT
When I first moved to Wilmington, finding a job proved to be a challenging task. Thanks to my extensive employment search, I became a skilled interviewer; I've heard all the questions an employer could pose to a potential candidate. You had your run of the mill quandaries like "what's your greatest weakness?" or "what skills do you possess that make you stand above the rest? "
Then there were those questions that seemed to come out of left field. I'll never forget when I got asked with a straight face: if you could be any animal, which would you choose and why? After wondering what this question had to do with me working retail, I began to consider my answer. I figured it was probably best to steer clear of skunk and porcupine because those animals are not team players. Should I say a cheetah and talk about how I'm a fast worker? Maybe pick a vulture because I'm ruthless when closing a sale? I ended up choosing a duck-billed platypus. That response garnered a "Thanks for your time… we'll keep your resume on file."
Here's the thing about that interview question. A chameleon would be a fantastic answer. They are easily adaptable workers who can deal with a change in their surroundings. Chameleons don't stick out or cause any personnel issues. These lizards do their job quietly and fade into the background. Sometimes you don't even know they're around.
Even though chameleons would excel in the business world, they are a horrible choice if you want to build intimate relationships with others or steward Christ's influence in the world. Chameleons have shallow friendships. Their ability to change colors is a defensive mechanism. It keeps not only predators at bay, but everyone else as well. No one gets close. Chameleons change who they are based on their surroundings. Seeing their true colors is near to impossible.
Sadly, many of us live our lives as chameleons. Often you have been three different people before lunch. Your "Sunday best" look nothing like the other outfits you wear during the rest of the week. You've got your work friends, neighborhood friends, Facebook friends, and your church friends, all given a different picture of who you are. Then, there is your family, who see what you're like when you let your guard down. They see the good, bad, and the ugly.
No one can blame you for your chameleon tendencies. We live in a culture where acceptance and the allure of power trumps character and integrity. But, our spiritual lives aren't limited to our Bibles, church service, or small group. It shows up everywhere. We can't compartmentalize our faith. When we broadcast more than one message, we tell the world we are confused about who we are. Consequently, everyone else becomes confused about the message we attempt to proclaim.
Jesus speaks to this reality in Luke 11. In today's passage, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for sending out mixed messages. Outwardly they appeared to have it all together, but inwardly they were full of corruption, greed, and hypocrisy. It is extremely dangerous to live one way and say you are something else. Jesus says to the Pharisees, as well as to us, that when we live this way, we have no substance.
Hypocrisy leads to isolation and destroys your ability to have intimacy and influence. If we are more concerned with self-preservation, we hide behind an image that we want others to believe. Authenticity is an accurate reflection of the truth. To accurately reflect the truth, we must identify what is right and humbly align with that truth.
How is this connected to greatness? You can't be great when you don't know who you are. "I will do anything to be liked and viewed in a certain light" isn't a message that leads to greatness. Greatness hinges on our willingness to be authentic. The invitation of Jesus is not to accommodate Him into your life or to wear another mask, but rather a total allegiance. What do you want your life's message to be?
REFLECTION
How do you wrestle with being a chameleon and sending mixed messages of who you are to others?
PRAYER
God, instead of changing who I am to suit my surroundings, may I show my true colors by living authentically and transparently. Allow me to expose who I am, the good and the bad, to those who care for me. I desire to worship You with my whole heart. Today, may I do so. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
