Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis- “a transformation; a marked change in appearance, character, condition or function.” (American Heritage)
Last summer my daughter and I were given a tiny treasure. The little girls who live next door found a caterpillar and, knowing that my daughter loves all kinds of insects, they brought it over for official identification.
We knew it was special from its black and yellow markings- a black swallowtail caterpillar. We purchased a screened butterfly habitat, along with some fennel and we waited.
We watched as the tiny caterpillar began to change. He ate and grew. He inched his way onto a twig we had tucked inside and he soon formed a chrysalis.
One morning we awoke to a beautiful surprise. The caterpillar had emerged from his chrysalis as a gorgeous Black Swallowtail butterfly.
Once his wings were ready, we released him into our backyard. Without hesitation, he flew into the summer breeze and off into a wonderful world.
When we accept Christ, we are saved in that instant. The Holy Spirit enters our lives and our transformation begins. Unlike caterpillars, our complete transformation into mature Christians does not happen overnight. Our old nature still tries to emerge, even as our new nature struggles to break free.
The Apostle Paul writes about this in Romans.
“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” Romans 7: 18-19
Paul goes on to say that he understands that he is not able to do what is right in his own strength. It is only with Jesus Christ that he can truly change.
It is often so easy to give up, to slip into a feeling of hopelessness and bondage, and allow our old nature to overcome us. God wants us to break free, to become the new creature He has purposed us to be.
Our transformation begins within (through Christ alone) and becomes an outward expression of God's faithfulness, a living testimony to the world.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
As for our old nature, there will be a continuous struggle. It is only through Jesus that we can discover real freedom from our sinful nature and live as free, transformed creatures for His Glory.
What are you waiting for, fellow believer? God wants you to emerge anew. It’s time to spread your wings and fly!
Questions for Reflection
Is there an area in your life that is always a struggle?
It may be an addiction, anger, fear, or something else in your life.
Whatever it is, pray and give it over to God right now. He wants you to live free in Christ today.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, ,and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galations 5:1
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Labels: Christian walk, Melanie's Articles
posted by Melanie @ This Ain't New York @ 12:01 AM
6 Comments:
Really beautiful.
What an excellent example that is for how we are to live! I can think of an area (LoL--and more) of my life that it's time for me to start flying instead of sitting and fanning my wings. Thanks for the encouragement!
Melanie,
This was a beautiful post. I LOVE butterflies and have studied them and Papa God has talked to me about them. He knows how much they speak to me. I love that they transform before our very eyes. It is such a picture for our hearts of what is being done in our lives. The thing that speaks to me is that the butterfly doesn't revert back to it's old life. It doesn't crawl around like a caterpillar any more. It now knows what it is meant to do. The old is gone, the new has come.
That is what I am desiring and seeking to live in my life... may I embrace the new identity and recognize when the old comes tapping on my door.
May I be like the butterfly and not revert back into the caterpillar.
Thanks for sharing.
Julie
One year, my sister found a chrysalis on a tomato plant. We put it in a small wired cage in my two sons' bedroom. The next morning, the
butterfly was out, but very wet. We took it outside and put it on a flower in the sun to dry. After awhile, it took off! Wonderful! I am a worrier and then some, so I am always asking God to help me along. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
About three years ago, I was set free from food binges. I had tried all the programs, even the Christian ones. What finally did it was praying that the Lord would convict me, and every single urge being given over to the Lord. The more I did that, the easier it became to walk away from the pantry. And one day I realized I had been set free. It wasn't instantaneous. It was a daily giving over...like the Romans verse.
I'm so glad you blogged on this. We as Christians need to constantly remind one another that we CAN have victory in our strongholds through the power and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
What a blessing you are!
There is not a better feeling than to be free in Christ. When I sit and ponder of His love for me it's almost overwhelming. Great post!
Blessings,
Kim
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It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!
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