Mid-summer is the time when most hunters begin to gear-up for their big fall hunt. We pack all the right stuff: safety equipment, maps, a compass, granola bars, boots, extra socks, and good camo gear. Camouflage is critical, allowing a hunter to blend into the hunting environment and avoid alerting game.
Camo needs vary according to how the prey’s eyes perceive the world and a hunter’s environment, expected range, and position from the ground. “Abstract” camo patterns are helpful when covering a lot of ground or multiple locations. “Heritage” camo refers to vintage patterns – splotchy, often rounded, iconic camo – and is another versatile pattern. “Leaves and Limbs” patterns are sophisticated, photorealistic images. They come in many patterns, each designed to imitate different or a combination of terrains: foothills, farmland, wooded, open fields, and marshlands. Choosing the right pattern can have a huge effect on a hunter’s success.
I’ve been bow hunting in full camo, including face and hand paint. I have so taken on the natural feel of the woods that birds have landed on my shoulders. In a similar way, some Christians conceal their faith. They work so hard to blend in with their surroundings that they become spiritually invisible to others, even their own families. But Jesus does not want us to camouflage our faith. He said, “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Some folks don’t want to stand out in the marketplace of life by treating others with a heart of service, staying clear of jokes and materials promoting pornography, upholding principles of truth and fairness when it costs, or keeping to values of integrity when the trend is going the opposite direction. However, Jesus told His disciples, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Our love for others is not meant to draw attention to ourselves; it is meant to draw attention to Jesus.
A good deer hunter must go where there’s game, outsmart the old buck by fitting in, and not worry the animals with his looks, scent, or movement. While this is a smart hunting strategy, it is a poor witness (testimony) to others about our faith. We are to be different than the world around us. The Apostle Paul warns, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does what is good is of God; the one who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John 1:11). I do not propose that we become offensive or unpleasant to others but merely so live the faith within us that people see the love, joy, peace, comfort, strength, and assurance that only Christ can provide. A person really filled with these traits displays God’s character and will stand out from the apathetic crowd. Jesus never tried to blend in. He never changed with “the terrain.” Jesus shamelessly offered life eternal, boldly spoke the truth, and courageously lived a life of goodness and love so that others would come to know Him and be saved. In our daily living, we are not hunters; we are disciples of Christ.
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1:7-12
Personal Application: If you stand out from society for the right reasons, you will become a real encouragement to others, who will eventually seek your support and wisdom and want to be like you. As you speak truth into their lives, you can point them toward a closer walk with the Lord. This is the essence of discipleship. Are you camouflaging your faith or are you a disciple of Christ, imitating His character so that others will be drawn to Him?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5