From the moment we get saved, to the moment we see God face to face, we are transformed into the image of Christ. This spiritual transformation process takes us from babes in Christ to mature believers who can teach others. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which literally means to “be changed into another form, to transfigure, or metamorphose”.
The dictionary definition of metamorphosis is “the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.”
When Jesus was magnificently transfigured before his disciples, that was a supernatural transformation. Mark 9:2-3 KJV ~ And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
Spiritual transformation is a supernatural work of God, but we have to be willing to surrender our will and let Him change our minds, our hearts, and our lives.
Butterfly Metamorphosis and Spiritual Transformation
Romans 12:2 KJV~ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
God has given us some examples in nature of metamorphosis- frogs, dragonflies, trees, but my favorite is the butterfly. First, it starts out as an egg and grows into a caterpillar, which then makes a chrysalis where it’s supernaturally transformed into a completely unique creature.
Each stage of the butterfly metamorphosis parallels the spiritual transformation of the believer in Christ.
Eat up the Word for spiritual transformation
1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV ~ As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
At the caterpillar stage, its sole purpose is to eat as much as possible. It eats, grows, and sheds its skin five times.
- As babes in Christ, we need to eat and drink the word of God (1 Peter 2:2, Jeremiah 15:16, Psalm 119:103). We feast on the scriptures in personal Bible time, discipleship, and church services, and grow in our knowledge of God. If you’re in this caterpillar stage, your job is to eat up as much of the word of God as you can and shed those old skins of carnality.
The chrysalis of the local church aids in our spiritual transformation
2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV ~ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
After the caterpillar has satisfied its hunger, it finds a safe place to rest and builds its chrysalis.
- Similarly, we build our spiritual chrysalis by staying in the structure of the local church and maintaining fellowship with other believers. During this time of rest and faith-building, all those verses that we eat in the caterpillar stage become layers of comfort and care from the Savior.
The Purpose of Spiritual Transformation
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV ~ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
When the butterfly is ready, it bursts forth as a gorgeous new creature. It gains new experiences, duties, and perspectives with its newfound freedom and flight. God created the butterfly with the sole purpose to reproduce!
- This is like our time of service to the Lord when we get out of our comfort zone and make disciples. A time to invest in others what we have been taught during our time of sanctification and training. This doesn’t have to be formal teaching, but it can be. Discipleship is reproducing worshipers for the glory of God. It’s transferring your transformed life and knowledge of Jesus to another person.
3 Tips for Spiritual Transformation
God has given us all we need for spiritual transformation- His Word, His Spirit, and His Church. When we tap into those three resources, our minds are renewed, sin patterns are broken, and our faith grows. We become sober-minded, Spirit-filled, strong, and stable followers of Christ that bring God glory.
As you transition through the stages of life:
- Rely on the word of God.
- Rest in the safety of God.
- Reproduce worshipers of God
Allow the Lord to supernaturally transform you into the minister of reconciliation and ambassador for Christ that He wants you to be. Continue the cycle of life, like the caterpillar into a butterfly. Take what you have ingested, grow within the shelter of the local church, and invest what you have learned into others so you can reproduce worshippers for God’s glory.
More Articles for Spiritual Transformation:
Renew Your Mind and Revive Your Heart with ‘It is Written’
11 Surefire Ways to Stunt Your Spiritual Growth
How to Have Biblical Discernment for Spiritual Growth
10 Key Scriptures for Spiritual Growth (KJV)
7 Steps to Restore Your Spiritual Energy When You Get Weary in Well-Doing
Having a Sober Mind for Spiritual Stability
3 Reasons Prayer is Essential for Your Spiritual Growth
My Top 10 Resources for Spiritual Growth
7 Ways Out of a Spiritual Slump
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Get a “My Jesus Journal” for Spiritual Growth
I also created a journal to use alongside your daily Bible reading. My Jesus Journal helps you learn more about Jesus and cultivate a closer relationship with Him.
It has space to record the date, the scriptures you read, and lined spaces to write your observations about Jesus. The bottom of that page has a verse from the KJV Bible about Jesus. The next page has space to write prayers related to what you discovered in your reading.
My Jesus Journal aids us in our quest to learn and love and know Jesus more deeply.
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Pray with Confidence
Prayer is an essential part of the spiritual transformation process as well. It’s how we communicate our needs to God. It rids us of self-sufficiency and grows our faith. If you would like to learn more about prayer, then I encourage you to check out Pray With Confidence. It’s a wealth of wisdom with over 40 contributors writing on various topics, like prayer and spiritual growth. I am one of the 40 monthly contributors. Here are a few articles that I wrote that can help in your spiritual transformation from a babe in Christ to a mature believer:
3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability in an Unstable World
19 Bible Verses that Reveal the Will of God
When you are done reading those, you’ll want to check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs as well. There are so many great options to boost your spiritual growth!
This was a beautiful reflection of the stages of our Christian life. I loved reading this and can’t wait to read more of your posts!
Thanks! I appreciate that! 🙂
The butterfly’s sole purpose is to reproduce…….great analogy for the mature Christian! I’ll be passing this on. Thanks for the blessing!
I love how God gives us spiritual truths within his creation! Yep, if we’re not reproducing other mature Christians we’re not living up to our God ordained purpose. That’s why discipleship is so important!
This is great! I am currently doing a Bible study on revival, and this post fits right into that. Through revival comes transformation. I also really like the point you make about being the light in someone else’s life – to bring them to coffee and point them to Jesus. I am definitely going to follow your blog!
Praise the Lord! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I love it. Well said. What touched you to make you want to write this?
Thanks for reading! It was a post birthed out of our own experience with God’s transforming power in the midst of different transitions the Lord brought us through.:-)