A Chameleon-Type Faith
Read the Text: Galatians 2
Memorize the Text:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me
(2 Corinthians 12:9, CSB)
Consider the Text: Galatians 2:11-14
A chameleon can adjust its color to blend in with its surroundings. This activity of camouflaging the self is a defense mechanism to lessen the threat of predators. Unfortunately, at times, believers treat their faith like chameleons. They reduce their fervor for the Lord or adjust their beliefs to fit into the crowd surrounding them. In Galatians 2, the apostle Paul speaks to the time he confronted the apostle Peter for allowing his faith to become a chameleon faith. Today, we can learn the importance of battling against the threat of a chameleon-type faith.
A CHAMELEON-TYPE FAITH
The apostle Peter started the practice of communing with all believers. This practice becomes evident as he ate and fellowshipped with Gentile believers. Such an experience meant that the apostle probably partook of unclean food prepared by the Gentiles. Peter’s engagement with the Gentile believers marked a unity that existed among believers and confirmed the reception of the gospel by Gentiles. Unfortunately, this accepting act turned into a state of rejection as Peter listened to the words of Jewish Christians.
Peter continued to eat with Gentile believers as Jewish Christians arrived on the scene. However, the Jewish believers saw the apostle partaking in food with the Gentiles and claimed he was guilty of breaking the dietary laws of the Torah. Under the influence of these Jewish voices, Peter pulls away from fellowshipping with the Gentile believers because he becomes driven by fear instead of faith.
Peter’s transition from acceptance to separation revealed the reality of a chameleon-type faith. Such faith means that the beliefs of the individual shift based on the situation and do not rest on the truth but momentary relevancy. This form of faith often becomes driven by fear and occurs when one is weakened in their walk with the Lord. Thus, a chameleon-type faith becomes concerned with others over the thoughts of the Lord.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF A CHAMELEON-TYPE FAITH
The testimony of the apostle Peter became stained because of his act of hypocrisy. The stepping away from the Gentile believers and into the trap of obeying the Jewish laws formed an image of fakeness around Peter. The experience appeared as if Peter wore one mask with a certain group of people and a different mask with a different set of people. A chameleon-type faith lays the foundation for a life of constant hypocrisy.
Peter’s chameleon-type faith lessened his witness. The ability to speak into the lives of the Gentile disappeared as Peter’s faith wavered and adjusted. Moreover, his lifestyle contradicted the words he declared about Christ. Thus, the message of the gospel became lessened in his sharing of it because he did not affirm the truth with a life of truth.
The apostle Peter’s response to the situation opened the door for other believers to stumble in their walk with the Lord. He set a precedent of faltering that others may understand as appropriate. He lived an example before them of disobedience before the Lord and set an example that, if followed, would lead others away from the Lord. The same threat of consequences occurs when believers today live in a chameleon-type faith.
A CHAMELEON-TYPE FAITH CONFRONTED
The apostle Paul declared a good model for engaging a believer dealing with a chameleon-type faith. Paul shared that he approached Peter personally with boldness and compassion. He went to Peter and addressed the issue face-to-face and not behind Peter’s back. Paul’s motivation came as an opportunity to help Peter and not as a time to destroy him. Thus, he spoke in boldness because he rested on the truth of the Lord and not on the prerogative of the world. Paul’s motivated by compassion because he recognizes that Peter needs to repent, and Paul cares deeply for his brother in Christ.
The apostle Paul is concerned with Peter’s spiritual walk; thus, he pointed Peter to the sin in his life. He wanted Peter to recognize the sin so that Peter could repent and seek forgiveness. The apostle Paul did not attack Peter but pointed him back to Christ and the truth. Paul does this by reminding Peter that Jesus does not change and that the truth of the Lord does not change by the company we dwell. Thus, Paul demonstrated tothe importance of confronting a chameleon-type faith in a personal manner directed by boldness and compassion.
Paul’s confrontation with Peter teaches us three truths today. First, as a follower of Christ, we need to understand the reality of the temptation to stumble into a chameleon-type faith. We must never underestimate the threat or overlook the possibility. Second, we must recognize that living in a chameleon-type faith impacts the spiritual journey of others. When we become wishy-washy in faith, we might unsettle the walk of other believers. Third, we must prepare ourselves to engage others for encouragement and rebuke. We need to walk with others to aid them in walking in the Lord in faithfulness. As you look at your life, what areas are you living with a chameleon-type faith instead of a distinct faith?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
