Daily Devotional for August 30, 2017
Chameleon Friends
“Have you ever heard people use colors to describe their feelings?” Miss Iverson asked her class.
Carter waved his hand to make sure she saw it. “Like green with envy?”
“How about purple with rage?” Mei said. “Or blue—like when they’re sad.”
“All good examples,” Miss Iverson said. “Now, people don’t actually change color, but some animals do. A chameleon, for example, can quickly change its skin color in response to light, temperature, or other things in its environment. Other animals change color to blend in with their surroundings. They do that to defend themselves against enemies.”
That evening, Carter talked about his day. “People use different colors to tell how they feel,” he said, “but some animals really do change their color. Isn’t that cool?”
“That’s really interesting,” said Dad. “Sounds like you had a good day.”
“Pretty good,” replied Carter, but then he frowned. “Marc and I always play together at recess time, but today he acted like he didn’t even know me! A bunch of guys were looking at his new tablet when I came up, and he wouldn’t let me look at it or even speak to me. I think he just wanted the other kids to think he was cool.” Carter paused. “You know what, Dad? I think Marc was a chameleon friend today!”
“That’s a good way to describe people who change their behavior toward others,” said Dad. “It’s a good thing when an animal can do that, but it’s not something God wants people to do. You’ve probably learned some Bible verses that tell you how you should treat other kids. Can you remember any of them?”
Carter nodded. “We learned one at church last week,” he said. “It’s Proverbs 17:17, and it says friends should love each other at all times. That kind of friend wouldn’t be like a chameleon.”
“No,” said Dad. “Keep that in mind when you think of Marc and see him again. Another important verse is Jesus’ command to love others. He shows His love for us all the time, and He wants us to do the same. If you do that, you won’t be a chameleon friend. Okay?”
“Okay,” said Carter. “I’ll remember!” – Donna Huisjen
How about you?
Have you ever had a chameleon friend? Have you been one yourself? It hurts when a friend changes the way they treat you based on where they are or who they’re with. The Bible says a true friend loves at all times. That’s how Jesus loves us, and He wants us to love others the same way. Be a consistent friend and treat others in the same loving way all the time.
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