You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

~Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

I live in Middle Tennessee, and, like many in this region of the United States, I experienced the invasion of the cicadas in the spring of 2024. 

The most interesting thing about these insects—besides their loud noise—is that they leave behind an exact exoskeleton of their former selves. According to Google, they must leave behind a version of their former selves. If they don’t, they won’t grow. This makes perfect sense, but I couldn’t help but relate this spiritually.

We must do the same thing in our Christian journey. Our path should be a constant state of shedding our old self and putting on the new self in Christ. We do this because we’re growing, and if we don’t take off the old self, the new won’t grow. It’s a good thing, for sure, and God commands it. When we know better, we do better, which can entail a variety of things. Maybe we’ve recognized a bad pattern of thinking and God gives clarity. We must move in God’s direction for our spiritual well-being and growth.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

~Ephesians 4:30 NIV

Change is not always easy. After all, we’ve been doing things our way, and it’s probably comfortable. But when the Holy Spirit convicts us of a needed change, we don’t want to grieve Him, regardless of how uncomfortable the change may feel. By changing, we’ll become more like Jesus.

As the cicadas leave behind their former selves, we should thank God that He changed us into better versions of ourselves.

Think of a few exoskeletons you have shed . . . or need to.

Heavenly Father, thank You for never leaving me the way You found me. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: The Cicadas: Melinda Cooper: All Rights Reserved

Please follow and like us:

20

20

20

20