Same or Different?

          Something that you see a lot of today is people dressed in camouflage. We have many hunters in our area, and they all seem to own a set of gear that is colored in the form of camouflage. You can even buy a rifle or shotgun that is completely covered in camouflage. Then, of course, there is the military and its vast use of camouflage for various situations be it desert, snow or jungle. God has also made certain small insects or animals in such a way that it is difficult to see them as they blend in with the surrounding area so well that they are almost invisible. In many aspects, camouflage is good if you don't want to be seen by the enemy. I think that in some respects, the church has also turned to camouflage. The question has to come up, "Why don't we make a big difference in the world today?" We don't make a difference because the world can't pick out the Christian from the non Christian. It is as if we were wearing camouflage. Some people who profess to be a believer still walk like and talk like a non believer. There is nothing different that makes them stand out in a crowd. Matthew 5:13 says, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." We are to be the salt of the earth and we are to be the light of the world as it says in Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

         The camouflage for the believer is not something different colored that makes us blend in with the trees, but it is a life style that is identical with that of the world. We have become so much like the world, that the world cannot distinguish a Christian from a non Christian. Many have come up with the idea that we don't want to offend anyone so we can't do this or that thing. I once heard of a missionary that was stationed in the northern part of Alaska who made the statement that “we don't mention Jesus Christ to the people here as it might offend them.” The main job of the missionary in that location was to unload the mail from a plane twice a day. There was indeed something wrong with that job description. Daniel found it to be just the opposite and when he was ordered not to pray to God, he opened the window so all could see him praying. When Joseph was before Pharaoh, he made sure that God got the credit for his ability to interpret dreams. The believer needs to make sure that they are not dressed in spiritual camouflage but that they have on the armor of God and are prepared to do battle with the enemy. God wants you to stand out and to stand firm. Praise Him today for His protection and for His provision in your life.