The Butterfly Believer

Post date: Aug 16, 2011 12:54:32 AM

The Butterfly Believer

By John Boda

Introduction

The Bible often uses metaphors in comparing creation to the Kingdom of God, and even in comparing God himself. For example, followers of Christ are known as sheep, and Christ is the "Good Shepherd". (John 10:11)

In speaking of Jesus Christ as the soon coming king, mighty in war and power, he is called, "The Lion of Judah".(Rev. 5:5) The lion is called the "King of Beasts" and Christ is called "The King of Kings. (Rev 19:16) It may come as a surprise to many that Jesus was also referred to a lowly crawling bug! In Psalms 22:6, in reference to Jesus prophetically speaking of his terrible suffering, it states; "I am a worm and not a man". We are told to "consider the ant and be wise" in Proverbs chapter six, with the idea that the little ant, with its diligence and hard work, puts the lazy man to shame! The are many other metaphors and analogies throughout scripture, linking an Eagle to God, linking dogs to wicked, immoral people, and not just with the animal kingdom, but also with trees, plants, wind, stars,  and many more. It seems that God has set up the created world as a classroom of sorts, to help us see and understand the spiritual world. Of course we will never fully understand the spiritual realm from this side, but if the natural world is a shadow and a guide, we can learn a great deal simply by paying attention to it!

In fact, although it may not be a sin, it is a down right shame if we miss it!

 In another one of my writings, (The Magnificent Mundane e-book) I probe deeply into the Old Testament character named Job, and how, even though he comes through his ordeal much better than his three friends, he still had his defects. One of them being that he seemed to talk too much! (Job 40:4-5) But another defect is much more subtle, namely, that he seemed to have missed seeing God all around him through the things that God had made. Read Job 38-42, and see God's long lecture to Job where he constantly brings up all sorts of wild animals, snowflakes, stars and constellations and many other natural things that Job seemed to have missed in his understanding of God, who created them all.

Many years later, under the guided pen of Paul, God states it plainly; "For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Rom 1:20)

Transformation

My main text for this grace note is found in II Corinthians 3:18:

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

These verses, and many others, tell us that true believers in Jesus are both changed, and are being changed! The first change is when God's salvation comes to us through our faith reaching out to his grace. That initial change, called salvation, is instant, and requires no effort or work from us!

However, the second change occurs as we begin to walk the Pilgrim way and begin to learn, and become more like Christ. His second part is called "sanctification" and this part DOES require our cooperation and partnership. We must never confuse the two! Notice the verse says that we "are being transformed"......it is a process, and one that lasts our entire lives on this side of eternity.  Actually, in theological terms there is a past-present-future aspect of God's plan of salvation for us:

1. The past - Justification

(Salvation by grace - totally from God to us except requiring our faith.)

2. The present - Sanctification

(Our present state of becoming more like Christ. This is a partnership of both God and man)

3. The Future - Glorification(This is our ultimate perfected state in eternity!)

Returning once again to our present state as Christ followers, we are being sanctified. The word sanctification simply means "To be made holy and be set apart".

This is what God is doing, as we allow it, making us holy and setting us apart for him. This does not mean we become weird religious extremists who war against the world! (Some people really do believe this) No, rather, it involves largely an inward and internal work in our hearts. Jesus himself was constantly accused of NOT being holy or set apart because of his association with sinners, prostitutes and the riff- raff of society. But he was the only one who ever was perfectly holy and sinless! His accusers got it wrong, as do many in the church today who also believe more in externals and focus on the outward only.

Sanctification is basically becoming more like Jesus in every way! This is most likely what John the Baptist had in mind when he said, " He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease."

(John 3:30)

The word "Transformed" in our text of II Corinthians 3:18, is a combined word in the original Greek; "Metamorphoo" - which comes from two words:

Meta - To change place or condition

Morphoo - To completely change or alter one's form.

To metamorphoo means to be totally transformed from one thing to another! Very similar to the process of "Metamorphosis" by which a tadpole becomes a bullfrog, or a caterpillar becomes a butterfly! (Now you'll never forget that word metamorphosis!)

Or you may recall the old TV series called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", remember what term was used when they transformed into action heroes?

They would "Morph" into them!

OK, the plain fact is that all of us mortals need to "morph" into a new creature as well in order to enter into God's presence. We need both, an outward and an inward transformation! Our inward hearts become transformed upon salvation, and then sanctification is the process of that inward change growing and revealing itself outward into all of our lives.

Jesus, unlike us, needed no inward change because he was perfect and holy, yet even his earthly body needed to be transformed to enter the presence of God the Father. At one point in his ministry, Jesus went up to a mountain and was

"Transfigured", and appeared to the few disciples with him to be glowing in light, full of God's glory. He was also speaking with Moses and Elijah, who also were in this glorified state. The Greek word for "Transfigured" is......(.take a guess).....  "metamorphoo"!

To become transformed is not an option! We are commanded in scripture to allow this process to occur in Romans 12:2: "...be transformed (Metamorphoo) by the renewing of the mind".

Another aspect of the meaning of transformation and "metamorphoo" is this:

To be changed into that which we truly are. Once again, this means that our initial salvation must work its way out into all of our lives! We don’t become saved by just saying a little prayer and then go back about our lives expecting nothing and not seeing any change! That is more like witchcraft and magic. No, God's plan for all of us is to become completely transformed into the new person he has in mind for each one of us!

To help give you a better picture of Biblical transformation, I want to now show a close, but very different counterfeit. Sometimes seeing the counterfeit, we can see and appreciate the real deal much better.

There is another Greek word which is also translated "Transformation" or to "be transformed" in several places in the Bible, but this word's meaning is vastly different! The similar, yet different Greek word is:

Metaschematzo - this word means to be changed outwardly only, but with no change at all inward! Hypocrites, those who appear one thing but really are another, can be directly linked to this word and idea.

 This word is found in the Bible as well in II Corinthians 11:13-14

"For such false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming (metaschematzo) themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself transforms (metaschematzo) himself into an angel of light"

Satan and all false apostles are transformed, but only outwardly as metashematzo instead of God's purpose and plan of metamorphoo! Satan is the original hypocrite! He appeared as something else in the Garden of Eden, and in fact we are told that he can appear as "an angel of light". Probably the greatest human hypocrite is Judas, who fooled everyone (Except Jesus) for at least three years with only having an outward change.

This false transformation means being changed into something that you really are not inside. God's method of true transformation means that we are changed into something outwardly that we really are inside. The change is an outward movement of something true, real and sure inwardly, an inward change caused by a divine act of God in us!

So what's all this got to do with butterflies? A lot! As I mentioned earlier, the process of transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly is called "metamorphosis", a direct same meaning as the Biblical word for transformation which God does in his people. Just as all the blueprints of a complete, beautiful, adult butterfly are inside that ugly little helpless, crawling caterpillar, all the blueprints of God's character is condensed inside our human hearts upon receiving God's salvation by faith.

I sincerely believe that we can gain solid insight, blessing and encouragement by knowing about the links between the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the metamorphosis of a believer. After all, God made them both! The process is all about change and growth as we go on our journey, let's get into it!

Therefore we do not lose heart, even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

II Cor. 4:16

We ain't what we ought to be

We ain't what we wanna be,

We ain't what we're gonna be,

But thank God we ain't what we was!

Author unknown

The Butterfly & Believer Analogy

1. Three - Part Beings

Fact:

Butterflies belong to the insect family, and as such they consist of three parts;

1. An external skeleton

2. A main body part

3. Three pairs of legs

The clear teaching throughout the Bible is, in the general broadest sense, human beings also have three parts:

1. Spirit

2. Soul

3. Body

But due to the entrance of sin in the world and into the human heart, the spirit part of all people is dead and unable to connect with God, who exists in the spiritual realm. But once a person becomes a Christ - follower and enters into the new life imparted by God through Jesus, their human spirit is now made alive and joined with a brand new Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God!

So even though every person is created as a three - part being, it is only true followers and believers in Jesus who have their spirits made alive to connect with God. (This wonderful ability is available to everyone and is a free gift from God's grace to us, so no one can boast and claim any personal exclusive treatment. But we must access it by faith in God's grace through Jesus, something many people simply refuse to do, or think isn't necessary.)

So this analogy of the three - part butterfly is linked only to the believer in Christ. (Many scholars believe that just as God is three - part, Father - Son -Spirit, when we enter into fellowship with him, we regain that three-part link to our creator)

Before we move on to the next point, here is a great scripture that reveals the three - part aspect of believers in Jesus:

Now may the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Thessalonians 5:23

2. Four Stages of Growth

Fact:

Butterflies have four stages of change and growth in their lives;

1. An egg

2. A Caterpillar

3. A Pupa

4. A butterfly

As I explained in my introduction, this process involves a major changing into new and different forms, a complete process known as "metamorphosis".

This is directly linked to all believers in Jesus, not only in general typology, but also in specific wording. The exact word used for authentic spiritual "transformation" in many scriptures is "metamorphoo", the exact word where metamorphosis is derived from!

(See Rom. 12:2 / II Cor. 3:18 )

Believers also have four stages of major growth and change as they are being transformed, just like butterflies:

1. Salvation:

The initial entry into this new life and journey is what has been called becoming born again. Initial salvation comes when a person reaches out by faith into God's free gift of grace through Jesus. When that is done, he/she receives a complete new life on the inside, and then the rest of their lives are spent on a journey towards Christ, and allowing that new life to grow and be revealed more and more. In essence, God places his DNA and all the blueprints of his awesome nature inside of us, but it is only as a seed that needs to grow. Much like the butterfly egg and then caterpillar, each one has all the DNA and blueprints of a mature, beautiful butterfly within them, yet much growth is needed to see that final result!

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

John 3:3

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.

II Corinthians 5:17

The next three parts of growth and change of believer's lives are three stages of growth all within one aspect called: Sanctification. This is seen clearly in I John 2:12-14, where the Apostle John addresses three distinct groups of believers:

1. Children

2. Young men

3. Fathers

I won't take the time now to type the verses out, but please look it up! He even repeats his address to each one twice, as if to emphasize the importance of the stages.

Further insight into the child stage is seen in I Peter 2:2;

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.....

Further insight into the young man stage is seen in a few verses;

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity...

Hebrews 6:1

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:4

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things, and if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

Philippians 3:15

Concerning the father stage, (Which is the most rare), clear insight is found by the Apostle Paul, who described himself in that stage;

Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the Gospel.

I Corinthians 4:15

Paul also speaks more of the growth process several chapters later;

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

So in summary, we have the four stages of growth in the life of a believer;

1. Salvation

2. Child

3. Young Man

4. Father

Just like all butterflies also have four stages of growth;

1. Egg

2. Caterpillar

3. Pupa

4. Butterfly

I personally find that very interesting, very encouraging, and also very humbling, as I may only still be in the caterpillar/child stage!

3. The Incubation Period

Fact:

Butterfly eggs take time to hatch, and must be dependent on several variables, the most important being temperature.

Also, most butterfly eggs become darker just before hatching.

When God's word is sown into a believer's heart, like a seed, it requires time and specific conditions to take root and grow. Just as God's grace plants the seed (or egg) it is also God's grace which creates the ripe conditions which facilitate growth.

This concept was taught clearly by Jesus in what is known as "The Parable of the Sower" in Luke Chapter Eight. The Sower sows seed on to the path where it is trampled on and the birds eat it up. Then he sows seed on to the rocks where it withers because it cannot take root. Then he sows among the thorns which grow and choke the crop. It was not until he sowed seed on good soil that it took root, grew, and yielded a large crop. Jesus then explained his teaching saying the seed was the Word of God, and the good soil was a person ready to receive it with a good heart, who hears the word, retains it, and then goes on to grow more and more.

Just like butterflies who need good timing and conditions to hatch eggs, likewise, all believers in Jesus need  good soil and conditions to make his seeds take root and grow!

Also it is interesting that the butterfly/caterpillar eggs often become darker just before hatching. This is also the experience of many people upon initial salvation. Just when things seem to get dark and hopeless, God comes through! I speak from personal experience as this is exactly what happened in my case. For me, everything in my life was OK, I had no big problems or health issues, but rather it was an inward sense of utter hopelessness and despair. I knew that if I continued on that pathway that it was a dead end and there was no hope in sight.

Many times, just before the egg hatches (spiritually) many people come to the end of their ropes, both inwardly and in many outward physical aspects as well.

Before we move on to the next point, here is an interesting scripture that relates:

We have also the prophetic word made sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

II Peter 1:19

4. Divine Providence & Forgetting What is Behind

Fact:

A Caterpillar's first meal is often its own eggshell. The eggshell is the only thing left of its previous life.

This is an interesting fact! How convenient to, upon entering into the world, your first all-important meal is served in bed, ( so to speak) and is sitting there just for you!

This incredible insect fact really has a two - part link to all believers in Jesus, one dealing in the vertical from God, and the other in the horizontal involving our part.

1. Providence and personal care by God for every one of us.

2. Pursuing a pathway of forward motion, forgetting what lies behind by an act of our will daily.

Scripture references for God's personal care and providence number in the thousands! The entire Bible is saturated with this assuring truth. But one of the most well known, and loved passages, is the short chapter of Psalms twenty three. (Go and read it now, I just did and all six verses took a whole 30 seconds)

Concerning the other practical truth to glean from this, the moving forward and forgetting what lies behind, here is probably the top passage on it:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

One note of caution: Even though the little caterpillar devours his egg shell with the spiritual implication that we totally sever all roots and connections to the past, this does not mean necessarily cutting off all non - believing people or connections.

My point, and one that is Biblically sound, is largely dealing in internals, as opposed to externals. We must move forward on our journey, reaching forward by faith each day to what God has for us, while at the same time, discarding our internal roots and desires which lead toward sin and rebellion.

5. Feed & Seed

Fact:

The main source of food for adult butterflies is nectar from flowers. As they gather nectar, they also pollinate at the same time.

The main source of food for all believers in Jesus is The Word of God. Both, the written (Logos) called The Bible, as well as God's word spoken (Rhema) by all true ministers. (In no way do I mean to indicate that the spoken word of men can equal or add to the finished and sealed Word of God - The Bible. Rather, Godly men/women can speak God's word to reveal and communicate what is already written, but in no way can add to it.)

As we feed on God's Word, we also are witnesses at the same time. We tend to think of witnessing in the old churchy way of preaching, teaching and knocking on doors, while all valid and good, this is NOT the real meaning of the word in scripture. To witness - means to simply be WHOM you are as a believer in Jesus! It is a noun and not a verb in almost every Biblical passage.

So while we hear, study and feed on the Bible, we also are witnesses by simply being who we are to everyone around weather we utter a spoken word or not!

But Jesus answered him, saying 'It is written, man shall not live by bread alone".

Luke 4:4

And he (God) said to me, "Son of man eat what is before you, eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel".

Ezekiel 3:1

6. The Source of Life

Fact:

The heat and light of the sun is extremely important to butterflies! They need specific heat temperatures and light to fly, to move, or even live. Only when their body temperature is 85-100 degrees Fahrenheit can they fly normally. If the air temperature is cooler, they will bask themselves in the heat of the sun in order to fly. On cloudy days not many butterflies are seen! This is true, even for the various times through the day when the sun is partially blocked by clouds, butterflies will often stop flight and wait until the sun returns.

All believers in Jesus are always totally dependent upon him for everything! Christ is the head and we are the body, it is the head which controls all the rest.

All through the Bible, God and Christ are referred to as light, and all that is against God is linked with darkness. Jesus even called himself, "The Morning Star" in Revelation 22:16

We are told specifically that "God is light" in I John 5. All believers are constantly told to walk and live in that light. The analogy is very clear, just like butterflies, we are dependant upon God's light both within and without not only to lead us, but for our very lives!

The Lord God is a sun and a shield; The Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 8411

7. Life is a Vapor

Fact:

Most adult butterflies live only about two weeks in the summer, others have a life span of only a few months

(Except Monarchs, but even they have very short lives compared to other creatures)

In comparison to eternity, all our lives appear very, very short and fleeting! In fact, they don't even really compare, the Bible compares our lives to a brief vapor, or puff of smoke, which appears for a while, then vanishes.

For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

James 4:14

Most scientists believe our planet is around 4.5 billion years old, and even that is less than a drop in the bucket in light of eternity. In fact, the most enduring and long lasting things in the universe - stars - don't even compare, even though some exist burning fuel for many trillions of years!

Yet, all believers, like butterflies, exist for a determined period however short that may be. Yet believers, (unlike butterflies), have a free will and are made in God's image, and can choose to fulfill God's plan for us or not. To get a grip and know that all life is a vapor in light of eternity is really a wonderful mindset to have. It allows us to make the very best of our time, and even when we are relaxing in recreation, we still sense being a part of the whole and big fabric that God is weaving.

Lord, make me know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, you have made my days as hand breadths, and my age is as nothing before you - certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor.

Psalm 39:4-5

So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Lord, what is man that you take knowledge of him? Or the son of man that you are mindful of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Psalm 144:3-4

8. Putting off the Flesh

Fact:

A molting caterpillar's skin is inelastic, because of that; it needs to be shed periodically as the caterpillar grows. Most caterpillars molt four to six times with the last time creating the cocoon, or pupa. Every time it molts its old skin, it is able to eat greater quantities of food and grows even more.

This point is closely related to point number #4 of "Forgetting What Lies Behind". But in point #4, the old skin is eaten and consumed, as a one time act of entering into the new life. That was in relation to salvation for believers. This point is not just a one time act! It is a continual "putting away" of all that is contrary to God in our lives, and it is within the on-going process that the Bible calls - Sanctification.

When the Bible, especially the New Testament speaks of "The Flesh", it does not mean our physical skin or even anything external at all. But rather, the flesh speaks of our inward, sinful desires which spring out of a corrupt sinful heart. They are in direct opposition to the fruits of the Spirit which God gives to his followers. So, in speaking of, "The Flesh, I am not speaking of any rejection of our physical bodies, or any person, or physical thing at all (Even though some may be wrong) yet, the flesh deals with internal heart desires and motives, and we are told to put those things off and away by the grace God gives!

A caterpillar may molt four to six times, but we need to do it constantly all through our journey on this earth as believers! Note, every time a caterpillar does, it is able to grow! It is the same for believers who desire to move forward and grow even more.

And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 524

9. The Sanctified Life

Fact:

When a caterpillar is ready to pupate, it attaches itself to a plant or object, and weaves a patch of silk which hardens into a cocoon. While in the cocoon, the caterpillar is shut out from the outside world, and the incredible transformation into an adult butterfly begins! This process is called metamorphosis.

As stated in my introduction, the word sanctification basically means to become set apart, and made holy. This is God's will for all believers! But this point is also the most misunderstood and liable to be twisted in meaning.

When we allow God to sanctify us more, it involves largely internal actions. We must never make the mistake that God wants us shut out more and more from the world around us! We must interact with people, culture and society! Jesus did this, and was constantly accused of NOT being holy and who he said he was because of his accusers falling into this error!

This particular point warrants another study in itself, but allow me to say that, yes, we are to shun the world and move away from it. But the word- world (Kosmos) - as seen in scripture can have different meanings. Sometimes it means the actual physical round earth, sometimes it means the people of this earth, and often it means an ordered system of influence fueled by Satan which is moving directly against God. This last meaning is the world which all believers must shun and resist, but love people and become an influence of good within the culture without hiding from it.

So, like the caterpillar, who weaves a cocoon to hide itself, we as believers must always be working with God the Holy Spirit to allow a spiritual cocoon to be woven over our hearts.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Thessalonians 5:23

Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

II Corinthians 4:16

10. The Struggle to Emerge

Fact:

As the nearly developed butterfly begins to emerge from the cocoon, a struggle ensues. In the attempt and struggle to break free, it actually causes the proper circulation of fluids and strengthens the new-born butterfly's wings, preparing it for first flight. Without this struggle, the butterfly would eventually emerge, but greatly handicapped and unable to fly, and then soon after die.

It seems that the closer believers get to God and becoming more sanctified, also the more there is a struggle and difficulty! All of us have corrupt hearts and live within a fallen world, and God must do an immense work to draw us out, and that work involves pain and struggle in us. But that struggle is bitter-sweet! Bitter while it is going on, but very sweet in its fruit and result! We need the struggle to break free, just like the emerging butterfly.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produced patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4

11. Heads or Tails?

Fact:

God has designed a unique built-in protection system against attacks from birds, butterfly's natural enemy. When a butterfly is at rest, with its wings folded up over its back, its tail closely resembles the antennae on its head! Many even have colored dots on their wings which look like eyes. Its actual head is often dark and inconspicuous.

This fools birds into attacking the tail, allowing the butterfly to escape only slightly wounded to live another day.

Many butterflies are able to fly with as much as half their wings missing, so these attacks are usually not lethal. This same protection system is built into many caterpillars so that predators can't tall the head from the tail.

Whenever a person becomes a new creation in Jesus, they become a believer and also become completely joined with the Lord!

But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

I Corinthians 6;17

Our arch enemy, Satan, will attack in a variety of ways through deception, accusation, and temptation, yet none of that will ever be fatal to believers in Christ.

We are joined with Jesus and are his now and forever! In fact, scriptures tell us that Jesus actually is the head, and we are the body. We are one with the Lord, so I believe that our enemy is at a huge disadvantage in telling the head from the tail!

This point may also have been alluded to by God in speaking to Satan in the Garden of Eden when he said;

....he (Jesus) will crush your (Satan) head, and you (Satan) will strike his (Jesus) heal.

Genesis 3:15b

Another passage which highlights this is in Acts 9:4-5 when Jesus confronts Saul for persecuting the Church. Jesus says, "Why are you persecuting me?"

In other words, Saul was in pursuit attacking the people of this new faith called The Church, yet Jesus clearly links it to himself as if Saul is actually attacking him directly.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 17:8

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion. In the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me; he shall set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 27:5

12. Fellowship & Feeding

Fact:

Often, butterflies can be seen in groups gathered around a puddle or damp place. This is a common behavior called puddling.  Puddling sites are often along dirt roads or paths in the fields where water regularly accumulates and then evaporates, leaving concentrated mineral deposits. Butterflies visit these sites, after the water has gone, and feed on the nutrients left behind. Tests have shown that the most attractive element they desire is sodium, a component of salt.

Throughout the Bible, believers are likened to sheep. Jesus even called himself, "The Good Shepherd" (John 10:11)

One important characteristic of sheep is that they never feed alone! In fact, they do very little alone as there is safety when together under the guiding hand of the shepherd. They congregate and feed together! This speaks of fellowship for all believers, like the butterflies, we need each other! Fellowship is vital for both our protection and growth. The food for all believers is always God's word! Reading and meditating in the scriptures brings much more than just good information, but also vital food for our souls. I also find it very interesting that the most attractive element is salt!

You are the salt of the earth.

(Jesus speaking) Matthew 5:13

Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.

Hebrews 10:25

Conclusion

I have tried to show how a butterfly, in all of its stages of growth, is analogous to the growth and spiritual development of all believers in Jesus. Some may think this type of analogy is a bit of a stretch, and that's OK. Based on the clear instruction of Paul in Romans chapter fourteen, and elsewhere, we must major on the majors and minor on the minors, and this falls into the minor camp!

However, also from scripture, are clear indications that we would do well to pay attention to God's created world in order to see and learn more about him. 

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see - eternal power for instance, and the mystery of his divine being.

Romans 1:19-20 The Message

In conclusion, here are some practical points to consider in light of this study;

1. Practice the Presence of God

All believers have God's Spirit inside of them, and are being transformed all the time. We make a huge mistake if we think this process occurs only when we are doing spiritual things! (If that were the case, all growth and sanctification would depend on us, and if that were true, none of us would ever get there!)

Is a butterfly a butterfly only when it is flying? Or is it still a butterfly if it is at rest on the ground? Of course, a butterfly, (Or caterpillar) never ceases to be what it is regardless of what it is doing at any moment. Likewise, if we are believers in Jesus and are on the journey, we are still believers on a journey and being transformed when we are at rest sleeping, playing in recreation, working at our jobs, as well as praying, worshipping and serving in church.

We must develop an attitude and mindset of practicing the presence of God, of being aware of God in everything we do.

Here also on my site, I have another good writing along these matters called, The Magnificent Mundane. I encourage you to read it! But for now, at least fast forward to the end of Part Five and click on one of the links for "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. It is posted free on line to read and is well worth it!

2. Don’t' strive to become what only God can make you become.

A good phrase to remember and one that can be derived from scripture is this:

We do what we can do and God does what we cannot do.

We are also told that Jesus is the

"Author and finisher of our faith"

(Heb. 12:2)

Jesus not only started it, but he is fully able, and promises to bring it all to completion.

Jesus called himself "The Alpha and The Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end".

(Rev. 22:13)

This really means that God is not only the beginning and the end, but also everything in between as well! At no point on our journey do we ever take the reigns, or say, "Thanks God, but I'll take it from here!"

We could learn a lot from butterflies and the entire animal world in that they are content to be who they are without pretense.

Jesus told us to take a look at the sparrows and learn this lesson, also look at the lilies’ of the field.

Sanctification DOES require our partnership, but we must remember that it is God who causes any growth or change! What is required on our part is faith in the transforming power of God's grace.

3. Grow in Grace

In another one of my grace notes posted here I explore the reality that every living thing has one thing in common - they grow and change! (In Cosmic Reflections of the Creator - also the point is brought out how everything in the cosmos moves)

If we cease to grow/change, there only remains one alternative - death! The same reality holds true for our spiritual growth. God has a specific plan and outline for each one of us that he designed exactly for us. But we can never get there without growth and change. (I even believe that eternity will include an aspect of growth as well. God is so big and beyond understanding, that even in a glorified eternal state, it will require stages of growth in knowledge and grasping forever to know him more)

When we watch a butterfly in flight, with its zig zag motion, it may not look graceful at all! But I view all butterflies as small reminders of God's grace to me. They each have gone through the process of metamorphosis, and now they continue to grow and change as a mature, adult insect.

No matter where we are at in our journey,our story is not much different. All believers must go through a similar metamorphosis, and we must all continue to allow grace to change and transform us.

So the next time that you see a butterfly outside on a summers day, I hope and pray that you can think about some of these things. Allow it to shift your thoughts toward God, who is never very far away from any of us.

Thanks for reading, see you along in the journey. John Boda