Picture the caterpillar: its tiny legs work furiously, and its belly nearly drags the earth as it inches along, crawling from plant to plant, contentedly munching its leafy green diet. But one day the caterpillar changes. It stops eating and spins a cocoon where it stays, snug and secure. Eventually, it emerges, totally changed. Formerly confined to inching on its little legs, the caterpillar can now fly. It flits from flower to flower; its diet no longer leaves, but the flowers’ sweet nectar. No longer green, it sports beautiful colors on gossamer-thin wings. What was once a slow-moving, plain creature has become a free-flying work of art. The caterpillar has passed away; it has become a new creation.
Like the caterpillar, we can become new creations. Once “in Christ,” we no longer crawl with our bellies to the ground; we no longer see from an earthly perspective. Before, earthly concerns reigned in our lives: making money, driving fancy cars, wearing up-to-date fashions. When we crawled like a caterpillar, we saw others from an earthly perspective: how they looked, whether or not they were part of the “in-crowd.” We loved to gossip; we loved to tear others down to build ourselves up.
We who are “in Christ” become new creations; we fly on gossamer wings. Christ in us helps our thoughts soar heavenward, making our earthly concerns less important. We become concerned with gaining spiritual fruit. We view others from a different, higher perspective. Christ in us loves others through us. Instead of seeing other’s faults, we glimpse what Christ sees in them and see what they can become through His love. Instead of gossiping about others, we talk to God about them, lifting them in prayer.
Look to the example of the caterpillar. Remember, before the caterpillar could change, it needed time in the cocoon. As you shelter in place from the Covid-19 virus, what changes is God working in your life?
Father, wrap us in the cocoon of your love and wisdom and make us butterflies. Work the miracle of change in our lives. Recreate us as beautiful new creatures flying on the wings of your spirit.
Growing Our Faith Together 