My choices pen my tomorrows#
A “master of disguise” lives in the waters of Indonesia and in the Great Barrier Reef. The mimic octopus, like other octopuses, can change its skin pigment to blend in with its surroundings. This intelligent creature also changes its shape, movement pattern, and behavior when threatened to mimic such creatures as the venomous lion fish and even deadly sea snakes.
Unlike the mimic octopus, believers in Jesus are meant to stand out in the world that surrounds us. We may feel threatened by those who disagree with us and become tempted to blend in so we won’t be recognized as followers of Christ. The apostle Paul, however, urges us to offer our bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”, representing Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
Friends or family members may try to pressure us to conform to the “pattern of this world”. But, we can show who we serve by aligning our lives with what we say we believe as God’s children. When we obey the Scriptures and reflect His loving character, our lives can demonstrate that the rewards of obedience are always greater than any loss.
Missionary Jim Elliot died at 29, murdered by the Auca Indians of Ecuador in 1956. Jim had already written - he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
The Last Word:
The rewards of obedience do not pass away.
#Today's SoulSnack was published as Mimic Jesus by Our Daily Bread. It contains minimal editing from Soulsupply.