Transformation and living a new life are how Christians are called to live, out of gratitude and a desire to be more Christ-like, and by continually giving ourselves over to God’s will. Not an easy task, and one that many seem to misunderstand. How can we be completely transformed? It is a bit of a mystery, and yet we have examples of this kind of radical transformation right in front of us in the natural world.
Caterpillars hatch from eggs, spend time eating and growing and then appear dead for a time in a crysallis or cocoon, then emerge as what seems a completely different creature, a butterfly. Many insects go through this type of metamorphosis, yet we humans struggle to change our inner self, giving up things that are wrong and hurtful and doing what is right.
So a butterfly is a symbol of transformed lives, even of eventual resurrection, another signpost pointing to hope.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:4 (NLT)