Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

My favorite image of transformation is the butterfly.

I’m sure there are cooler images I could come up with, something involving thunder, and magic, and arcing electricity, and tectonic movement, and chaotic forces battling in the nether realms…

But I like the butterfly.

For one thing, it’s quiet.  No trumpets announcing it.  No commemorative coins struck in its honor.  Mr. Caterpillar simply goes off into a corner, or a bush, or whatever, and lets it happen.  So calm.  So peaceful.  So fundamentally life changing.

For another thing, the butterfly transformation is amazing.  Think about it—there are few creatures that God has seen fit to create that are uglier than caterpillars.

Goblin sharks?  Yes, um, goblin sharks are uglier than caterpillars, but they do not transform, so they do not really apply here, do they?

Anyway, the transformation from ugly, ground-bound, leaf-eating caterpillar to beautiful, graceful, floating, soaring, nectar-sipping butterfly is nothing short of astounding.

It’s wondrous.

It’s miraculous.

It’s what he wants to do in you, Beloved.