Beautiful butterflies flitted all around me, silently gliding through the air and softly landing on nearby plants and flowers.

Not just a few butterflies, mind you, but more than 7,000 butterflies flying freely in a large five-story tropical conservatory.

This spring I visited the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition,[1] featuring more than 40 different species imported from the Far East and Central America.

Seeing the kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns of these delicate creatures, and observing the various stages of their growth was truly breathtaking!                                           

Scientists continue to be amazed how one creature: a caterpillar, transforms into an entirely different one: the butterfly. 

Metamorphosis is the biological term describing this transformation, or complete change.

It comes from the Greek word metamorphóō, used in Romans 12:2:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform (metamorphóō) you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

The process of metamorphosis wonderfully illustrates the life of a Christian learning to walk in the steps of Christ. 

This transformation doesn’t happen instantly, but through various stages. In the case of the butterfly, first there’s the egg, then the caterpillar (or larva). It begins to change and a hard shell, or chrysalis forms. From this, finally emerges the butterfly.

Similarly, as Christians submitting our lives to Him, the old sinful nature gradually dies as our new nature in Christ is being developed.

We literally move from a life of rebellion against God to living a Christlike life that glorifies God, and bears much fruit.

God does the transforming, as we yield ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit—renewing our minds, and teaching us the ways of Christ. We start thinking, feeling, and viewing things as He does.

The progression of dying to self and becoming like Christ happens daily as we choose to spend time with Him—to meet Him in that secret place, to acknowledge His presence, to walk and talk with Him.

In this process we bear fruit in our lives—others see it, they are nourished, and seeds are planted in their lives. Ultimately some will go on to produce fruit of their own.

Through this wonderful progression of spiritual growth and bearing fruit, God is responding to the longings of our hearts . . . transforming us into being more like Him.

[1] At the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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