LOST and FOUND
You have Changed!
You have Changed!
Do not be shaped by [conformed to; pressed into a mold by] this world [age];
instead be changed within [transformed] by a new way of thinking
[or changing the way you think; the renewing of your mind]
Romans 12:2, Expanded Bible
instead be changed within [transformed] by a new way of thinking
[or changing the way you think; the renewing of your mind]
Romans 12:2, Expanded Bible
“Be transformed” in the above verse is the Greek word metamorphóō (μεταμορφόω) and describes the transfiguration of Jesus and the ongoing process of change of a new Christian (2 Cor 3:18). One of the most used metaphors to describe a Christians transformation is the caterpillar’s metamorphosis. The caterpillar changes from a tree clinging, 16-legged (6 true legs + prolegs) pest into the majestic 6-legged flying butterfly.
- • For a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly it digests itself, releasing enzymes to dissolve all
- of its tissues. If you were to cut open a cocoon or chrysalis at that time, ‘caterpillar soup’ would ooze out. See here or here.
- • A caterpillar lives in shrubbery, the butterfly flies.
- • One eats leaves, and the other solely feeds on nectar.
- • In the larvae stage the caterpillar typically has 13 segments, which become just 3 segments: head, thorax and abdomen.
What a drastic yet wonderful irreversible transformation! Yet now it can fly free as a new creature. Likewise, a Christian is born again, becoming a new creation, and feeds on the sweet ‘grace nectar’ every day! For some the initial change is relatively sudden, for others more time and much suffering is involved.
This is not a renewed life but a new life. Not a heart bypass but a heart transplant. Not reformation, but transformation. Not figuring out a book but being transfigured within by a person; not applying Christian principles to perform better but being in love with the person of Christ!
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“My children, with whom I am again in labour until Christ is formed in you.”
“My children, with whom I am again in labour until Christ is formed in you.”