Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

~Romans 12:2 ESV

What is transformation?

The dictionary defines it as, “a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance,” or “to change in nature, disposition, heart, character or the like; to convert.” This description reminded me of the monarch butterfly caterpillar, whose sole purpose is to miraculously transform from a larva to something beautiful.

Caterpillars must eat until they have stored enough fat to make this transition. During this time, the larva is vulnerable because they lack keen eyesight, and their sluggish movements make it difficult to flee predators or defend themselves. The only defense mechanism they possess comes from the plant they feed on, milkweed. The leaves contain a toxic sap which gives the predator a foul taste and makes them sick. When the caterpillar reaches the cocooning phase, they search for a high place to hide themselves.  

Protected by the silk covering of their cocoon, the caterpillar digests itself from the inside out. The substance used to digest food during its wormlike existence also breaks down its own body into imaginal cells which forms its new body. These cells can metamorphose into any type of cell.

 To transform into a monarch, the caterpillar must die, surrendering its previous existence while maintaining its consciousness.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

~1 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

 The transformation believers in Jesus must go through is comparable to the monarch butterfly. God created humanity for one sole purpose: to live in communion with Him. But because of free will and sin, we remain in a constant battle. Our spirit, which wants to live in obedience to God (see Matthew 26:41), stands in opposition to what our flesh desires. And in many circumstances, this breaking-down process is often painful. Justification through our relationship with Christ does not erase our sinful past, which can make our fleshly battles more difficult.  

To prevent our adversary from consuming our thoughts and actions, we need to armor up with something powerful that gives the enemy a pungent taste—the Word of God. His Word encourages, strengthens, and supplies us with all the weapons needed to avoid the lies and temptations of Satan, so that our metamorphosis can reach its completion. Jesus shelters us with something much stronger than silk—every fiery dart is extinguished by His Holy armor.

If any of you want to walk My path, you’re going to have to deny yourself. You’ll have to take up your cross every day and follow me.

~Luke 9:23 The Voice

To fortify and reshape our core from a state of spiritual immaturity and transform into the person God wants us to be, He requires control. This necessitates surrendering and dying to self. In the end, we will emerge more beautifully than any butterfly, set free to follow our true path.

Are you going through difficult or painful times? Believe God will take you by the hand and help you.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your word does not come back void and Your promises are true. There are times when my faith wavers and I become discouraged when I see no clear path in sight. Let me feel Your hand in mine and the gentle tugging as You direct me. Give me the spiritual insight and strength to that believe that nothing is impossible for You.

 In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Total Transformation: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved