One of the most beautiful creatures in nature is the butterfly. Butterflies are gentle, peaceful, graceful, and adorn a spectrum of vivid coloring, such as displayed by this Blue Morpho.
However, it is interesting to note that in an earlier part of their lives, they are not so attractive. So much so that perhaps some caterpillars may be admired only by their mothers! But during the course of their lives, an amazing transformation called metamorphosis occurs. The caterpillar is encased in a tomb of transformation, the cocoon. Into the cocoon goes a creature that is clothed in ugliness. Up out of the cocoon comes a transformed creature, one exceedingly beautiful. And as humbling as it may be, we do not fully understand how this transformation happens. We only know that it is wonderful, and that GOD does it.
It is God’s will that each of US also undergo a wonderful transformation!
Due to our sin, we are clothed in “ugliness” (see Isaiah 64:6) and doomed for destruction (Romans 6:23). But God desires to cleanse us from sin (cf. 1 John 1:9) and transform us into beautiful creatures. It is not our outward appearance that is changed; the change comes from the inside — out!
The transformation begins when we submit our lives to Jesus Christ the Savior, who died on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). When we place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) in His name, then our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus.
Into the waters of baptism goes a creature that is clothed in ugliness. Up out of the waters of baptism comes a transformed creature, one exceedingly beautiful (Romans 6:3-4).
Then as we continue to walk in the light of God’s Word, the process of transformation continues….
We participate with God in this process through our continued trusting obedience. “And do not be CONFORMED to this world, but be TRANSFORMED [Gr. metamorphoo] by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION;
old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Won’t YOU allow God to save you and make something eternally beautiful out of your life through your trusting obedience?
— Terry Livingston and David A. Sargent
Church of Christ at Creekwood
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama 36695
Archived issues of “Living Water” can be viewed and accessed from our website at www.creekwoodcc.org
