METAMORPHOSIS, that's a really BIG word

When I was a little girl, I was fascinated with butterflies.  I can still remember the feel of the warm sunshine welcoming me to chase after the delicately decorated creatures.  My backyard was a veritable butterfly retreat.   It was filled with butterflies of various colors clothed with the most dainty designs and perfect patterns on their wings.  It was like God had a special paintbrush just to paint butterfly wings.  Each one was a unique creation that God made just to bring a smile to the faces of those who took the time to admire His elegant handiwork.  After all, who can look at a butterfly dancing along as it flies through the air and not smile? 

As I got older, I learned about butterflies in school too. With my mind's eye, I can still see the word METAMORPHOSIS neatly written in white chalk across the chalkboard.  I can still hear my fellow students attempting to pronounce it and wondering about its significance.   I would soon learn that the word metamorphosis had layers of meaning as I also realized that God was not only an imaginative and creative artist, but He was also an ingenious and brilliant scientist.  At first glance it may seem like art and science are two separate and distinct subjects, but they are really two sides of the same coin.  There is artistic beauty in the intelligent design of science, and the purposeful ordered design of science is an integral component of artistic expression.  The life cycle of the butterfly is the perfect example of that. 

Life of the butterfly

Butterflies begin life as caterpillars crawling along the tender branches of bushes and trees looking for fresh green leaves to munch on.  Their potential beauty is still locked inside them, hidden away until the proper time.  They are designed to blend in with their surroundings in order to protect them from predators that may take them away before their transformation is complete.  In time, they build a chrysalis around themselves, skillfully spinning a splendid beauty chamber from which the caterpillar will emerge completely transformed.  When the caterpillar  breaks free of the chrysalis, it is no longer a lengthy crawling creature, but a new and resplendent butterfly with dazzling color tipped wings that literally dance and float through the air.

The mechanics and artistry of God's blueprint are revealed as one creature literally turns itself into something that looks and moves in a completely different way.  It's the same animal, just revolutionized into a new and different manifestation of itself. 

In the same way, God transforms us through Christ.  We begin life as immature believers limited by our humanity and inexperience with God, but as God walks along with us through life we are transformed through the chrysalis of Christ into mature Christians who love and move through the grace of the Holy Spirit.  We are the same creature, just transformed into a new identity in Christ. 

Metamorphosis is the marriage of science and art.  It is God's refining process, His method of cultivating and cleansing His creation.  Creation is to be admired (not worshiped) because it's aesthetic beauty and organized design are a direct reflection of the power of our Creator.  It is the evidence, the very fingerprints, of God Himself.  It is God beckoning you to notice the simple beauty of a butterfly gliding through the air, made to preform just for you.  It just may bring a smile to your face too.


If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can pray like this:

More tomorrow...