Don’t Throw Seashells! 🐚

Few creatures in the ocean are as mysterious and fascinating as the octopus. With its eight flexible arms, remarkable intelligence, and ability to transform its appearance in an instant, the octopus is a true master of disguise and survival. Whether hiding in plain sight or darting through rocky crevices, this extraordinary animal never fails to captivate those who encounter it.

Recently, I read a remarkable article about a research team led by Peter Godfrey-Smith from the University of Sydney who discovered that octopuses intentionally throw seashells, rocks, and silt. The published findings in 2022 were based on footage from "Octopolis" in Jervis Bay, Australia. The footage documented female octopuses hurling the undersea objects at other octopuses. While exploring this information, I also found reports where researchers witnessed octopuses slapping innocent fish as they swam by. This bad behavior did not appear to be related to hunting but rather seemed to result from annoyance or frustration.

If you are a human with octopus tendencies, please raise your hand! 🙋‍♀️

Let’s take a look at the defense mechanisms of the octopus and examine the similarities of our own human responses and coping strategies.

🐙 Although recent research has revealed that octopuses are capable of social behavior, most tend to live alone and do not gather to hunt like many other animals.

🐙 Octopuses employ a variety of defensive strategies such as hiding, blending into their surroundings through camouflage, and constructing concealed dens, often seeking isolation as a means of protection.

🐙 Octopuses can use deceptive tactics, such as changing their appearance or behavior, to confuse or mislead potential threats. By rapidly altering the color and texture of their skin, octopuses can mimic the appearance of other creatures or their environment, either to blend in or to bluff and intimidate. The Mimic Octopus can imitate up to 15 different creatures, including jellyfish, lionfish, and stingrays. Cephalopods sometimes display bold patterns or postures as a show of emotion or to scare off predators.

🐙 If escape is necessary, an octopus may eject a cloud of ink to obscure the predator's vision and sense of smell, leaving the predator disoriented and giving itself time to quickly jet away to safety.

🐙 Octopuses can deliver venomous bites that paralyze.

🐙 Certain octopuses have been observed picking up objects, such as shells or silt, and propelling them toward others, possibly as a way to express irritation or to deter unwanted attention.

🐙 In some instances, octopuses will strike or swat at fish that are nearby, seemingly without provocation. Scientists believe these actions may serve to assert dominance, establish boundaries, or simply relieve stress.

We know God did not create us to be an octopus. We are not meant to retreat behind our insecurities, camouflage ourselves, or isolate from others. Instead, God invites us to be bold, loving, and uniquely set apart.

John 13:35:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

When we show genuine love for one another, it sets us apart from the world and reveals Christ’s presence in our lives. Our love—open, sincere, and courageous—is the distinguishing mark of our identity in Jesus. It’s how we draw others to Him, showing that we do not just talk about our faith, but we live it every day in every circumstance.

If you sense those octopus tendencies—wanting to hide, blend in, lash out, or retaliate—declare truth. Do not let those defense mechanisms keep you in a solitary place. You were made for connection and kingdom relationship!

Friend, come with me. Let us trust Jesus with all of our insecurities as we love boldly and build the Kingdom.

I want to walk on the water.

---

Going Deeper:

Truth Over Isolation: We were created for relationship.

“It is not good that man should live alone…” Genesis 2:18 ESV

Truth Over Darkness: If we are abiding in Him, there is no room for darkness.

“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 ESV

Truth Over Camouflage: We were not made to blend in.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world…” Romans 12:2 NIV

Truth Over Venom: Our words should never paralyze and devour others.

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 ESV

Truth Over Retaliation: Do not throw seashells!

“But I say to you who hear, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.’” Luke 6:27-28 ESV

Truth Over Lashing Out: Let those innocent fish swim on by!

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV