Transformation - Cheryl Martin
Romans 12:2 KJV says, "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Let us think about a butterfly. Butterflies are beautiful, but they don't start off that way. The butterfly must endure various stages.
Stage one-small, round, oval or cylindrical egg. Stage two-larvae (caterpillar); this is the stage where the caterpillar eats continuously. This is so the caterpillar will be able to grow quickly. Stage three-Pupa (chrysalis); The caterpillar is now at full-size and then it forms itself into a pupa. It is inside the pupa that everything is going on. Stage four-the caterpillar did all its changing inside of the pupa, metamorphosis.
The butterfly now emerges from the pupa. The transformation is complete. A new creation has been born.
You see, we go through stages too. Unlike, the butterfly, we do not truly emerge until we reign with Christ in heaven. It is an ongoing experience and there will be times we may even have to go back to basics. (Hebrews 5:12 KJV)
Through faith in Christ, we are clothed with His righteousness and as we continue to grow in the Word of truth we put on ‘new layers’ of His likeness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no Law." (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)
We grow more into the attributes of Christ as we choose not to walk sight but instead walk by faith in the Spirit. Hallelujah!
Lord, I thank you for the ability to grow in you with the help of the Holy Spirit within us. I pray that we all strive towards the mark of excellence and that we would one day here, "…well done, good and faithful servant. " (Matthew 25:21 KJV)
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