Be Transformed

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

The beginning of each year in first grade always includes a study of insects, mainly the monarch butterfly. I've participated in this study for the last 10 years, but it wasn't until this year that I notice the details of the process. I noticed the time that the transformation takes, the split second changes, and the breath taking-beauty of life anew. It's not that I've been uninterested in the past, but this year, I related the changes to God's design of life and the way he works in us, and this perspective made all the difference.

A monarch caterpillar spends the first weeks of his life gorging himself on milkweed. He grows rapidly as he feasts on as much as possible. I thought about how we, as humans, gorge ourselves on the world before we know Christ. We are looking for something to fill us and we consume all that the world has to offer. 

After he's fattened himself, the caterpillar crawls to the top of the container, hangs down and soon curls his body in to a "J". Do you see us in this? Eventually we've had enough of the ugly ways of the world. We look up and see "J"esus.

After a few hours maybe days, the caterpillar begins to wiggle and within moments, he's wrapped himself in an amazing chrysalis. It is perfectly made to cover his entire body and is ringed with a tiny trim of gold. But what I noticed this year, is that this caterpillar to chrysalis transformation took only seconds. It's like us though. In a split second we can make a decision to live for Christ. He wraps us in his arms and then the changes begin, but instantly we are safely wrapped in his love.

As the caterpillar remains in the chrysalis, change is happening. But all I hear in my classroom is the echo of each child asking, "What's going on in there?" "What's taking so long?" "When will we see the changes?" But, we can only wait and hope!

After about a week the chrysalis becomes clear and a monarch butterfly emerges. It's slow to get it's flying wings ready, but then it is free and unstoppable. As Christians we need to emerge in our new life boldly and confidently ready to tell everyone and anyone about the changes that Jesus has made in us!

Although parts of the process happen quickly, for those watching and waiting it is too slow. Like my first graders, when we are waiting for our friends and family to emerge from their 'chrysalis' of the old life, we want to rush the process. But, it takes time as God transforms their minds to be more and more like him. If you are praying for someone, don't give up! God's at work, even when we can't see it!