Transforming into Butterflies

I have been reading, "Gripped by the Greatness of God" about the book of Isaiah for the second time. I like what this paragraph in the Gripped book says, "Contrary to popular opinion, God does not offer to forgive us simply so we can come to a crisis of conversion and receive the eternal benefits of His forgiveness. God cleanses us because He wants to transform us, to make us holy just as He is." Pg. 34

God wants to transform us! The one verse on transforming that came to mind was 2 Cor. 3:18, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." My study notes say, "We who believe are made partakers of this glory by being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ." We all wear veils to cover our mistakes, past and hurts. But here God is calling us to remove them one by one and transform us into His likeness. This process is one that will take a lifetime and I need to be patient to move forward at the pace God sets. I want to rush into maturity but rushing will only cause me to miss learning.

I Peter I:14-19 says, "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your satay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable thins like sliver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.". My study notes say of I Peter 1:16, "To be holy is to be set apart - set apart from sin and impurity, and set apart to God. The complete moral perfection of God, whose eyes are too pure to look on evil with favor, should move His people to strive for moral purity."

We are like butterflies working ourselves out of our cocoon. If we rush it or are allowed help, our new wings will become weakened and useless. But through toil and pain, we gain strength as we work to get out. We want to strive for strong wings to carry us through the battle field of life. Becoming like our Savior will take time and His ultimate goal for us is to be more like Him in His holiness.

Krista Jones
5.25.08