I look forward to springtime every year. The bitter cold and ice that accompany winter always seem to last way longer than they should. Thankfully, every year, spring emerges and with it gentle rain showers, budding trees, blooming flowers, and more sunshine.
A favorite springtime phenomenon of mine are the butterflies. The vibrant, colorful, winged insects add joy to my days. I am fascinated by the process of metamorphosis that the crawling caterpillar undergoes to become a stunning butterfly. The butterfly eggs hatch into a caterpillar. The caterpillar feasts on leaves and experiences rapid growth. Then the caterpillar rests in its chrysalis for several days. During the chrysalis phase, the caterpillar undergoes a magnificent transformation and emerges a beautiful butterfly.
Christians are like caterpillars in some ways. The caterpillar feasts on leaves then rests in the chrysalis awaiting transformation. Christians feast on the Word of God and rest in Christ allowing the Holy Spirit to change us to become more like Christ. The Bible in 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (NLT).” What a blessing it is to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about our metamorphosis.
Try this family application tip. With your children read or view videos on the transformation of caterpillars to butterflies. You may want to try some of the butterfly crafts found here: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/butterfly-crafts-for-kids-4129196. Discuss how the Holy Spirit changes us to become more like Christ when we study the Bible and learn more about Jesus.
– Pastor Shawna Henry, Associate Pastor, Piedmont Park Seventh-day Adventist church
