Mimic Jesus 模仿耶稣
Dexu Xia
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
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 lionfish 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” (Romans 12:1), 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” (v. 2). 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. How will you mimic Jesus today?
By: Xochitl Dixon
When have you been tempted to become an unrecognizable believer in Jesus? When have you become alienated from family members or friends because you chose to represent Jesus through your words and actions?
Loving Jesus, please give me courage and confidence to reflect You to others.
Learn more about how you have been created to serve God.
不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化。—罗马书12章2节
在印尼和澳洲大堡礁一带的水域，生长着一种“伪装大师”，它就是拟态章鱼（mimic octopus）。它像其他种类的章鱼一样，可以改变皮肤色素与周遭环境融为一体。不但如此，当这聪明的生物受到威胁的时候，它还能改变自己的外型、移动模式和动作，来模仿其他生物，例如有毒的狮子鱼，或是致命的海蛇。
对于相信耶稣的人来说，我们生活在这个世界中，却不是要像拟态章鱼那样模仿世人的行为和习俗，而是要与他们有所分别。有时候，我们可能会因不被人认同而觉得受到威胁，想要妥协、让步，忍不住想融入这个世界，好让自己不被人认出是基督徒。然而，使徒保罗却劝勉我们将身体献上，“作圣洁而蒙上帝悦纳的活祭”（罗马书12章1节，新译本），在生活的各个方面成为耶稣的代表。
家人或朋友可能会给我们压力，使我们想“模仿这个世代”（2节，新译本）。但身为上帝的儿女，我们可以藉着与信仰一致的生活，表明我们所服事的是谁。当我们遵行圣经并反映上帝慈爱的特质时，我们的生命可以让人知道因顺服而得的奖赏，永远大过任何亏损。今天，你要如何模仿耶稣呢？
作者： 邓书琪
你曾在何时不想让别人看出你是基督徒？
你何时曾因决定在言行上代表耶稣，而与亲友疏离？
慈爱的耶稣，求祢赐我勇气和信心，让我能活出祢的样式。