The Mimic Octopus

READ: PSALM 104:24-28

Have you seen a mimic octopus? Probably not, because not too many people have seen them or recognize that they’re looking at one and not something else. In fact, the mimic octopus is so good at mimicking, it wasn’t even discovered until the 1990s.

Before that time, biologists knew that some octopi could camouflage themselves to blend into their background or imitate another creature. What’s different about the mimic octopus is that it can mimic multiple backgrounds and creatures. One scientist said they have counted the creature mimicking fifteen different species—most of them poisonous.

For instance, the mimic octopus can hide its whole self, except for two legs, inside a hole. The two legs appearing above the hole look exactly like a sea snake. The octopus can also swim through the water headfirst, legs held tightly together— looking like a flatfish. Or he might lazily float, legs above his head, giving the appearance of a jellyfish.

We can look at the mimic octopus and recognize the unfathomable creation of God to design such an animal, but we can also learn something else from this unusual creature. In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul tells us to “walk in love,” imitating Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). We can discern what it means to imitate or mimic Jesus by talking with Him and reading His Word, the Bible. He also promises to give us help because He is with us through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Therefore, we can know that Jesus will give us the wisdom to know how to mimic Him in whatever situation we face (James 1:5).

Next time you face a tough decision about whether or not you should do something, think about the mimic octopus. Are you mimicking Christ? • Linda Weddle

• What does it look like to mimic Christ?

• How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives to help us mimic Christ (Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:5)?

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (CSB)