The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly (metamorphosis) is one of nature’s most fascinating processes. Buckminster Fuller, the famous 20th Century architect, inventor, and philosopher, said, “There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.”
The word metamorphosis comes from two Greek words: meta (change) and morphoo (form). This process is only part of the amazing life cycle of a butterfly.
I remember watching this astonishing change take place in a terrarium our thirdgrade teacher brought into the classroom. She gave us no clue what to expect, but just told us to watch. Every day we checked to see what would happen. When the fat, ugly, worm-like creatures had entered their cocoons, we wondered what they were doing in there. When the butterflies finally emerged, it was hard to believe these gorgeous, delicate creatures with beautifully colored wings could possibly have once been those fat, ugly brown munching machines.
But we had seen enough to believe the rest of what our teacher told us as she explained the repeated cycle from egg to caterpillar, to butterfly, and then starting all over again.
This phenomenon of transformation is often used to illustrate our new lives in Christ. When we are first born again, our hearts are like that yucky caterpillar, not so beautiful to look at. In Romans 12:2 we are told not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we renew our minds with the Word of God, He transforms us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). But there is a difference. Our caterpillar lives don’t repeat over and over. Our transformation is permanent. It continues day by day. We never have to go through another caterpillar stage again.
As for renewing our minds, as we fix our minds upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), He will continue working in us to make us more like Himself. It’s our responsibility to renew our minds, and He promises to do the transforming. I don’t know about you, but to me that’s way more exciting than the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly!
If you would like to learn more about this transforming power we can experience by renewing our minds in the Word of God, come visit us at Charis Christian Church, 4811 E. Julep St., Suite 101, in Mesa.