“All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18, Good News Bible

Don’t we all love the beauty of butterflies and how they float gracefully in the air?

However, that a butterfly emerges from an ugly caterpillar is one of nature’s most amazing miracles.

In our meditation verse today, the Greek word translated ‘transform’ is the same word from which we get the English derivative ‘metamorphosis’ – the process by which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.

The verse above asserts that all those who have accepted Christ are being transformed into the same image of Christ, and that gradual but complete process of ‘metamorphosis’ is being effected by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The Spirit doesn’t merely reform people; He transforms them into a new creature!

One such work of transformation is shown in Isaiah 41:14-15.

“Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob….for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer… See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them and reduce the hills to chaff.”

Can you just imagine a weak and vulnerable ‘worm’ being transformed into an iron “threshing sledge – new and sharp with many teeth”?

Now, that’s what we call absolute metamorphosis, and it’s the work that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in life of the believer in Jesus.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”

ROMANS 12:2

As you keep on beholding and reflecting the glory of God through the Word of truth, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms you into the likeness of Christ.

According to Romans 12:2, the work of transformation happens through the mind.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV).

Being ‘conformed’ denotes something akin to a brick coming out of a mold, and the ‘mold’ in this case are the worldly systems and ways of life.

So, instead of being molded by the values of this present world, the believer should undergo transformation into something different  and divine through the power of the Spirit.

The tense used is present continuous, which indicates an ongoing process as we saw earlier.

This verse shows that spiritual transformation starts on the inside, the same way that metamorphosis starts on the inside of the caterpillar during the pupae stage.

Similarly, transformation happens internally through meditating on God’s truth and letting the Holy Spirit guide and shape our thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and character.

As part of our growth into Christian maturity, our thought life is gradually being transformed into Christlikeness.

That’s what happened when the murderous Saul was transformed into Paul, a loving and gracious apostle for the Church.

Like in metamorphosis, transformation does not happen overnight; it happens gradually as we spend time in intimate fellowship with Christ and His Word.

You’re being transformed!

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank You for the ongoing work of transformation in my life. May I grow into Your likeness in every area of my life – thoughts, words and actions – for the glory of Your Name, Amen!