Chameleon Friends

Bible Reading: John 15:12-13

"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 told his dad about his day. "People use different colors to describe how they feel, but some animals really do change their color. Isn't that cool?"

"Sure is," said Dad. "Sounds like you had a good day."

"Pretty good," replied Carter, but then he frowned. "Hari and I always play together at recess time, but today he acted like he didn't even know me! He was playing basketball with a bunch of guys when I came up, and he didn't invite me to play with them or even speak to me. I think he wanted them to think he was cool." Carter paused. "Hari was a chameleon friend today!"

"That's a good way to describe people who change their behavior toward others depending on the situation," said Dad. "But I don't think Hari is the only one who does that. Have you ever done something like that, Carter?"

"Well…maybe." Carter thought of how he treated his little sister differently when his friends came over. "Yeah. I'm not always nice to Layla in front of my friends because I want her to leave us alone."

"Do you remember the verse you learned at church last week?" Dad asked.

Carter nodded. "Proverbs 17:17. It says friends should love each other at all times. That kind of friend wouldn't be like a chameleon."

"No," said Dad. "That verse describes the kind of friend Jesus is. He shows His love for us all the time, and He wants us to do the same. Trust Him to help you be consistent, loving friend--even when others aren't."

"Okay." Carter sighed. "I'll remember that when I see Hari tomorrow."

–Donna Huisjen