The Butterfly Believer
By John Boda
Introduction
The Bible often uses metaphors in comparing creation to the Kingdom of God, and even in
comparing God himself. For example, followers of Christ are known as sheep, and Christ is the
"Good Shepherd". (John 10:11)
In speaking of Jesus Christ as the soon coming king, mighty in war and power, he is called, "The
Lion of Judah”. (Rev. 5:5) The lion is called the "King of Beasts" and Christ is called "The
King of Kings. (Rev 19:16) It may come as a surprise to many that Jesus was also referred to a
lowly crawling bug! In Psalms 22:6, in reference to Jesus prophetically speaking of his terrible
suffering, it states, "I am a worm and not a man". We are told to "consider the ant and be
wise" in Proverbs chapter six, with the idea that the little ant, with its diligence and hard work,
puts the lazy man to shame! The are many other metaphors and analogies throughout scripture,
linking an Eagle to God, linking dogs to wicked, immoral people, and not just with the animal
kingdom, but also with trees, plants, wind, stars, and many more. It seems that God has set up
the created world as a classroom of sorts, to help us see and understand the spiritual world. Of
course, we will never fully understand the spiritual realm from this side, but if the natural world is
a shadow and a guide, we can learn a great deal simply by paying attention to it!
In fact, although it may not be a sin, it is a downright shame if we miss it!
In another one of my writings, (The Magnificent Mundane e-book) I probe deeply into the Old
Testament character named Job, and how, even though he comes through his ordeal much
better than his three friends, he still had his defects. One of them being that he seemed to talk too
much! (Job 40:4-5) But another defect is much more subtle, namely, that he seemed to have
missed seeing God all around him through the things that God had made. Read Job 38-42 and
see God's long lecture to Job where he constantly brings up all sorts of wild animals, snowflakes,
stars and constellations and many other natural things that Job seemed to have missed in his
understanding of God, who created them all.
Many years later, under the guided pen of Paul, God states it plainly; "For since the creation of
the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Rom 1:20)
Transformation
My main text for this grace note is found in II Corinthians 3:18:
"But we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being
transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
These verses, and many others, tell us that true believers in Jesus are both changed, and are
being changed the first change is when God's salvation comes to us through our faith reaching
out to his grace. That initial change, called salvation, is instant, and requires no effort or work
from us!
However, the second change occurs as we begin to walk the Pilgrim way and begin to learn and
become more like Christ. His second part is called "sanctification" and this part DOES require our
cooperation and partnership. We must never confuse the two! Notice the verse says that we "are
being transformed"......it is a process, and one that lasts our entire lives on this side of eternity.
In theological terms there is a past-present-future aspect of God's plan of salvation for us:
1. The past - Justification
(Salvation by grace - totally from God to us except requiring our faith.)
2. The present - Sanctification
(Our present state of becoming more like Christ. This is a partnership of both God and man)
3. The Future - Glorification (This is our ultimate perfected state in eternity!)
Returning once again to our present state as Christ followers, we are being sanctified. The word
sanctification simply means "To be made holy and be set apart".
This is what God is doing, as we allow it, making us holy and setting us apart for him. This does
not mean we become weird religious extremists who war against the world! (Some people really
do believe this) No, rather, it involves largely inward and internal work in our hearts. Jesus himself
was constantly accused of NOT being holy or set apart because of his association with sinners,
prostitutes and the riff- raff of society. But he was the only one who ever was perfectly holy and
sinless! His accusers got it wrong, as do many in the church today who also believe more in
externals and focus on the outward only.
Sanctification is basically becoming more like Jesus in every way! This is most likely what John
the Baptist had in mind when he said, " He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease."
(John 3:30)
The word "Transformed" in our text of II Corinthians 3:18, is a combined word in the original
Greek; "Metamorphoo" - which comes from two words:
Meta - To change place or condition
Morphoo - To completely change or alter one's form.
To metamorphoo means to be totally transformed from one thing to another! Very similar to the
process of "Metamorphosis" by which a tadpole becomes a bullfrog, or a caterpillar becomes a
butterfly! (Now you'll never forget that word metamorphosis!)
Or you may recall the old TV series called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", remember what term
was used when they transformed into action heroes?
They would "Morph" into them!
OK, the plain fact is that all of us mortals need to "morph" into a new creature as well in order to
enter into God's presence. We need both an outward and an inward transformation! Our inward
hearts become transformed upon salvation, and then sanctification is the process of that inward
change growing and revealing itself outward into all of our lives.
Jesus, unlike us, needed no inward change because he was perfect and holy, yet even his
earthly body needed to be transformed to enter the presence of God the Father. At one point in
his ministry, Jesus went up to a mountain and was
"Transfigured” and appeared to the few disciples with him to be glowing in light, full of God's
glory. He was also speaking with Moses and Elijah, who also were in this glorified state. The
Greek word for "Transfigured" is......(. take a guess) ..... "metamorphoo"!
To become transformed is not an option! We are commanded in scripture to allow this process to
occur in Romans 12:2: "...be transformed (Metamorphoo) by the renewing of the mind".
Another aspect of the meaning of transformation and "metamorphoo" is this:
To be changed into that which we truly are. Once again, this means that our initial salvation must
work its way out into all of our lives! We don’t become saved by just saying a little prayer and then
go back about our lives expecting nothing and not seeing any change! That is more like witchcraft
and magic. No, God's plan for all of us is to become completely transformed into the new person
he has in mind for each one of us!
To help give you a better picture of Biblical transformation, I want to now show a close, but very
different counterfeit. Sometimes seeing the counterfeit, we can see and appreciate the real deal
much better.
There is another Greek word which is also translated "Transformation" or to "be transformed" in
several places in the Bible, but this word's meaning is vastly different! The similar, yet different
Greek word is:
Metaschematzo - this word means to be changed outwardly only, but with no change at all
inward! Hypocrites, those who appear one thing but really are another, can be directly linked to
this word and idea.
This word is found in the Bible as well in II Corinthians 11:13-14
"For such false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming (metaschematzo) themselves
into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself transforms (metaschematzo)
himself into an angel of light"
Satan and all false apostles are transformed, but only outwardly as metashematzo instead of
God's purpose and plan of metamorphoo! Satan is the original hypocrite! He appeared as
something else in the Garden of Eden, and in fact we are told that he can appear as "an angel of
light". Probably the greatest human hypocrite is Judas, who fooled everyone (Except Jesus) for at
least three years with only having an outward change.
This false transformation means being changed into something that you really are not inside.
God's method of true transformation means that we are changed into something outwardly that
we really are inside. The change is an outward movement of something true, real and sure
inwardly, an inward change caused by a divine act of God in us.
So, what's all this got to do with butterflies? A lot! As I mentioned earlier, the process of
transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly is called "metamorphosis", a direct same meaning
as the Biblical word for transformation which God does in his people. Just as all the blueprints of
a complete, beautiful, adult butterfly are inside that ugly little helpless, crawling caterpillar, all the
blueprints of God's character are condensed inside our human hearts upon receiving God's
salvation by faith.
I sincerely believe that we can gain solid insight, blessing and encouragement by knowing about
the links between the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the metamorphosis of a believer. After all,
God made them both! The process is all about change and growth as we go on our journey, let's
get into it!
Therefore, we do not lose heart, even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward
man is being renewed day by day.
II Cor. 4:16
The Butterfly & Believer Analogy
1. Three - Part Beings
Fact:
Butterflies belong to the insect family, and as such they consist of three parts.
1. An external skeleton
2. A main body part
3. Three pairs of legs
The clear teaching throughout the Bible is, in the general broadest sense, human beings also
have three parts:
1. Spirit
2. Soul
3. Body
But due to the entrance of sin in the world and into the human heart, the spirit part of all people is
dead and unable to connect with God, who exists in the spiritual realm. But once a person
becomes a Christ - follower and enters into the new life imparted by God through Jesus, their
human spirit is now made alive and joined with a brand-new Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God!
So even though every person is created as a three - part being, it is only true followers and
believers in Jesus who have their spirits made alive to connect with God. (This wonderful ability is
available to everyone and is a free gift from God's grace to us, so no one can boast and claim
any personal exclusive treatment. But we must access it by faith in God's grace through Jesus,
something many people simply refuse to do, or think isn't necessary.)
So, this analogy of the three - part butterfly is linked only to the believer in Christ. (Many scholars
believe that just as God is three - part, Father - Son -Spirit, when we enter into fellowship with
him, we regain that three-part link to our creator)
Before we move on to the next point, here is a great scripture that reveals the three - part aspect
of believers in Jesus:
Now may the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and
body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:23
2. Four Stages of Growth
Fact:
Butterflies have four stages of change and growth in their lives.
1. An egg
2. A Caterpillar
3. A Pupa
4. A butterfly
As I explained in my introduction, this process involves a major changing into new and different
forms, a complete process known as "metamorphosis".
This is directly linked to all believers in Jesus, not only in general typology, but also in specific
wording. The exact word used for authentic spiritual "transformation" in many scriptures is
"metamorphoo", the exact word where metamorphosis is derived from!
(See Rom. 12:2 / II Cor. 3:18)
Believers also have four stages of major growth and change as they are being transformed, just
like butterflies:
1. Salvation:
The initial entry into this new life and journey is what has been called becoming born again. Initial
salvation comes when a person reaches out by faith into God's free gift of grace through Jesus.
When that is done, he/she receives a completely new life on the inside, and then the rest of their
lives are spent on a journey towards Christ, and allowing that new life to grow and be revealed
increasingly. In essence, God places his DNA and all the blueprints of his awesome nature inside
of us, but it is only as a seed that needs to grow. Much like the butterfly egg and then caterpillar,
each one has all the DNA and blueprints of a mature, beautiful butterfly within them, yet much
growth is needed to see that final result!
Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God."
John 3:3
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away,
behold all things have become new.
II Corinthians 5:17
The next three parts of growth and change of believer's lives are three stages of growth all within
one aspect called: Sanctification. This is seen clearly in I John 2:12-14, where the Apostle John
addresses three distinct groups of believers:
1. Children
2. Young men
3. Fathers
I won't take the time now to type the verses out, but please look it up! He even repeats his
address to each one twice, as if to emphasize the importance of the stages.
Further insight into the child stage is seen in I Peter 2:2.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your
salvation.
Further insight into the young man stage is seen in a few verses.
Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.
Hebrews 6:1
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking
anything.
James 1:4
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things, and if on some point you think
differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Philippians 3:15
Concerning the father stage, (Which is the rarest), clear insight is found by the Apostle Paul, who
described himself in that stage;
Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers,
for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the Gospel.
I Corinthians 4:15
Paul also speaks more of the growth process several chapters later.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, but when I became a man, I
put away childish things.
So in summary, we have the four stages of growth in the life of a believer.
1. Salvation
2. Child
3. Young Man
4. Father
Just like all butterflies also have four stages of growth.
1. Egg
2. Caterpillar
3. Pupa
4. Butterfly
I personally find that very interesting, very encouraging, and also very humbling, as I may only
still be in the caterpillar/child stage!
3. The Incubation Period
Fact:
Butterfly eggs take time to hatch, and must be dependent on several variables, the most
important being temperature.
Also, most butterfly eggs become darker just before hatching.
When God's word is sown into a believer's heart, like a seed, it requires time and specific
conditions to take root and grow. Just as God's grace plants the seed (or egg) it is also God's
grace which creates the ripe conditions which facilitate growth.
This concept was taught clearly by Jesus in what is known as "The Parable of the Sower" in Luke
Chapter Eight. The Sower sows seed on to the path where it is trampled on, and the birds eat it
up. Then he sows seed on to the rocks where it withers because it cannot take root. Then he
sows among the thorns which grow and chokes the crop. It was not until he sowed seeds on
good soil that it took root, grew, and yielded a large crop. Jesus then explained his teaching
saying the seed was the Word of God, and the good soil was a person ready to receive it with a
good heart, who hears the word, retains it, and then goes on to grow more and more.
Just like butterflies who need good timing and conditions to hatch eggs, likewise, all believers in
Jesus need good soil and conditions to make his seeds take root and grow!
Also, it is interesting that the butterfly/caterpillar eggs often become darker just before hatching.
This is also the experience of many people upon initial salvation. Just when things seem to get
dark and hopeless, God comes through! and I speak from personal experience as this is exactly
what happened in my case a few years ago. For me, everything in my life was OK, I had no big
problems or health issues, but rather it was an inward sense of utter hopelessness and despair. I
knew that if I continued that pathway that it was a dead end and there was no hope in sight.
Many times, just before the egg hatches (spiritually) many people come to the end of their ropes,
both inwardly and in many outward physical aspects as well.
Before we move on to the next point, here is an interesting scripture that relates:
We have also the prophetic word made sure, which you do well to heed as a light that
shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
II Peter 1:19
4. Divine Providence & Forgetting What is Behind
Fact:
A Caterpillar's first meal is often its own eggshell. The eggshell is the only thing left of its
previous life.
This is an interesting fact: How convenient to, upon entering into the world, your first all-important
meal is served in bed, (so to speak) and is sitting there just for you!
This incredible reality has a two - part link to all believers in Jesus, one dealing in the vertical from
God, and the other in the horizontal involving our part.
1. Providence and personal care by God for every one of us.
2. Pursuing a pathway of forward motion, forgetting what lies behind by an act of our will daily.
Scripture references for God's personal care and providence number in the thousands! The entire
Bible is saturated with this assuring truth. But one of the most well-known, and loved passages, is
the short chapter of Psalms twenty three. (Go and read it now, I just did and all six verses took a
whole 30 seconds)
Concerning the other practical truth to glean from this, the moving forward and forgetting what lies
behind, here is probably the top passage on it:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
One note of caution: Even though the little caterpillar devours his eggshell with the spiritual
implication that we totally sever all roots and connections to the past, this does not mean
necessarily cutting off all non - believing people or connections.
My point, and one that is Biblically sound, is largely dealing in internals, as opposed to externals.
We must move forward on our journey, reaching forward by faith each day to what God has for
us, while at the same time, discarding our internal roots and desires which lead toward sin and
rebellion.
5. Feed & Seed
Fact:
The main source of food for adult butterflies is nectar from flowers. As they gather nectar,
they also pollinate at the same time.
The main source of food for all believers in Jesus is The Word of God. Both, the written (Logos)
called The Bible, as well as God's word spoken (Rhema) by all true ministers. (In no way do I
mean to indicate that the spoken word of men can equal or add to the finished and sealed Word
of God - The Bible. Rather, Godly men/women can speak God's word to reveal and communicate
what is already written, but in no way can add to it.)
As we feed on God's Word, we also are witnesses at the same time. We tend to think of
witnessing in the old church way of preaching, teaching and knocking on doors, while all valid and
good, this is NOT the real meaning of the word in scripture. To witness - means to simply be
WHOM you are as a believer in Jesus! It is a noun and not a verb in almost every Biblical
passage.
So, while we hear, study and feed on the Bible, we also are witnesses by simply being who we
are to everyone around weather we utter a spoken word or not!
But Jesus answered him, saying 'It is written, man shall not live by bread alone.
Luke 4:4
And he (God) said to me, "Son of man eat what is before you, eat this scroll, then go and
speak to the house of Israel.
Ezekiel 3:1
6. The Source of Life
Fact:
The heat and light of the sun is extremely important to butterflies! They need specific heat
temperatures and light to fly, to move, or even live. Only when their body temperature is
85-100 degrees Fahrenheit can they fly normally. If the air temperature is cooler, they will
bask themselves in the heat of the sun in order to fly. On cloudy days not many butterflies
are seen! This is true, even for the various times throughout the day when the sun is
partially blocked by clouds, butterflies will often stop flight and wait until the sun returns.
All believers in Jesus are always totally dependent upon him for everything! Christ is the head
and we are the body; it is the head which controls all the rest.
All through the Bible, God and Christ are referred to as light, and all that is against God is linked
with darkness. Jesus even called himself, "The Morning Star" in Revelation 22:16
We are told specifically that "God is light" in I John 5. All believers are constantly told to walk
and live in that light. The analogy is very clear, just like butterflies, we are dependant upon God's
light both within and without not only to lead us, but for our very lives!
The Lord God is a sun and a shield; The Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will
he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 8411
7. Life is a Vapor
Fact:
Most adult butterflies live only for about two weeks in the summer, others have a life span
of only a few months
(Except Monarchs which can be even shorter)
In comparison to eternity, all our lives appear very, very short and fleeting! In fact, they don't even
really compare, the Bible compares our lives to a brief vapor, or puff of smoke, which appears for
a while, then vanishes.
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes
away.
James 4:14
Most scientists believe our planet is around 4.5 billion years old, and even that is less than a drop
in the bucket in light of eternity. In fact, the most enduring and long-lasting things in the universe -
stars - don't even compare, even though some exist burning fuel for many trillions of years!
Yet, all believers, like butterflies, exist for a determined period however short that may be. Yet
believers, (unlike butterflies), have a free will and are made in God's image, and can choose to
fulfill God's plan for us or not. To get a grip and know that all life is a vapor considering eternity is
really a wonderful mindset to have. It allows us to make the very best of our time, and even when
we are relaxing in recreation, we still sense being a part of the whole and big fabric that God is
weaving.
Lord, make me know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how
frail I am. Indeed, you have made my days as hand breadths, and my age is as nothing
before you - certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor.
Psalm 39:4-5
So teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Lord, what is man that you take knowledge of him? Or the son of man that you are mindful
of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
Psalm 144:3-4
8. Putting off the Flesh
Fact:
A molting caterpillar's skin is inelastic, because of that; it needs to be shed periodically as
the caterpillar grows. Most caterpillars molt four to six times with the last time creating the
cocoon, or pupa. Every time it molts its old skin, it is able to eat greater quantities of food
and grow even more.
This point is closely related to point number #4 of "Forgetting What Lies Behind". But in point #4,
the old skin is eaten and consumed, as a one-time act of entering into the new life. That was in
relation to salvation for believers. This point is not just a one-time act! It is a continual "putting
away" of all that is contrary to God in our lives, and it is within the on-going process that the Bible
calls - Sanctification.
When the Bible, especially the New Testament speaks of "The Flesh", it does not mean our
physical skin or even anything external at all. But rather, the flesh speaks of our inward, sinful
desires which spring out of a corrupt sinful heart. They are in direct opposition to the fruits of the
Spirit which God gives to his followers. So, in speaking of, "The Flesh, I am not speaking of any
rejection of our physical bodies, or any person, or physical thing at all (Even though some may be
wrong) yet, the flesh deals with internal heart desires and motives, and we are told to put those
things off and away by the grace God gives!
A caterpillar may molt four to six times, but we need to do it constantly all through our journey on
this earth as believers! Note, every time a caterpillar does, it is able to grow! It is the same for
believers who desire to move forward and grow even more.
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 524
9. The Sanctified Life
Fact:
When a caterpillar is ready to pupate, it attaches itself to a plant or object and weaves a
patch of silk which hardens into a cocoon. While in the cocoon, the caterpillar is shut out
from the outside world, and the incredible transformation into an adult butterfly begins!
This process is called metamorphosis.
As stated in my introduction, the word sanctification basically means to become set apart and
made holy. This is God's will for all believers! But this point is also the most misunderstood and
liable to be twisted in meaning.
When we allow God to sanctify us more, it involves largely internal actions. We must never make
the mistake that God wants us shut out increasingly from the world around us! We must interact
with people, culture and society! Jesus did this and was constantly accused of NOT being holy
and who he said he was because of his accusers falling into this error!
This point warrants another study in itself, but allow me to say that, yes, we are to shun the world
and move away from it. But the word- world (Kosmos) - as seen in scripture can have different
meanings. Sometimes it means the actual physical round earth, sometimes it means the people
of this earth, and often it means an ordered system of influence fueled by Satan which is moving
directly against God. This last meaning is the world which all believers must shun and resist, but
love people and become an influence of good within the culture without hiding from it.
So, like the caterpillar, who weaves a cocoon to hide itself, we as believers must always be
working with God the Holy Spirit to allow a spiritual cocoon to be woven over our hearts.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit,
soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:23
Therefore, we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we
are being renewed day by day.
II Corinthians 4:16
10. The Struggle to Emerge
Fact:
As the nearly developed butterfly begins to emerge from the cocoon, a struggle ensues. In
the attempt and struggle to break free, it actually causes the proper circulation of fluids
and strengthens the new-born butterfly's wings, preparing it for first flight. Without this
struggle, the butterfly would eventually emerge, but greatly handicapped and unable to fly,
and then soon after begins dying.
It seems that the closer believers get to God and becoming more sanctified, also the more there
is a struggle and difficulty! All of us have corrupt hearts and live within a fallen world, and God
must do an immense work to draw us out, and that work involves pain and struggle in us. But that
struggle is bitter-sweet! Bitter while it is going on, but very sweet in its fruit and result! We need
the struggle to break free, just like the emerging butterflies.
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
11. Heads or Tails?
Fact:
God has designed a unique built-in protection system against attacks from birds,
butterfly's natural enemy. When a butterfly is at rest, with its wings folded up over its back,
its tail closely resembles the antennae on its head! Many even have colored dots on their
wings which look like eyes. Its actual head is often dark and inconspicuous.
This fools birds into attacking the tail, allowing the butterfly to escape only slightly
wounded to live another day.
Many butterflies are able to fly with as much as half their wings missing, so these attacks
are usually not lethal. This same protection system is built into many caterpillars so that
predators can't tall the head from the tail.
Whenever a person becomes a new creation in Jesus, they become a believer and also become
completely joined with the Lord!
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
I Corinthians 6;17
Our arch enemy, Satan, will attack in a variety of ways through deception, accusation, and
temptation, yet none of that will ever be fatal to believers in Christ.
We are joined with Jesus and are his now and forever! In fact, scriptures tell us that Jesus
actually is the head, and we are the body. We are one with the Lord, so I believe that our enemy
is at a huge disadvantage in telling the head from the tail!
This point may also have been alluded to by God in speaking to Satan in the Garden of Eden
when he said.
He (Jesus) will crush your (Satan) head, and you (Satan) will strike his (Jesus) heal.
Genesis 3:15b
Another passage which highlights this is in Acts 9:4-5 when Jesus confronts Saul for persecuting
the Church. Jesus says, "Why are you persecuting me?"
In other words, Saul was in pursuit attacking the people of this new faith called The Church, yet
Jesus clearly links it to himself as if Saul is attacking him directly.
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17:8
For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion. In the secret place of his
tabernacle, he shall hide me; he shall set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5
12. Fellowship & Feeding
Fact:
Often, butterflies can be seen in groups gathered around a puddle or damp place. This is a
common behavior called puddling. Puddling sites are often along dirt roads or paths in
the fields where water regularly accumulates and then evaporates, leaving concentrated
mineral deposits. Butterflies visit these sites, after the water has gone, and feed on the
nutrients left behind. Tests have shown that the most attractive element they desire is
sodium, a component of salt.
Throughout the Bible, believers are likened to sheep. Jesus even called himself, "The Good
Shepherd" (John 10:11)
One important characteristic of sheep is that they never feed alone! In fact, they do very little
alone as there is safety when together under the guiding hand of the shepherd. They congregate
and feed together! This speaks of fellowship for all believers, like the butterflies, we need each
other! Fellowship is vital for both our protection and growth. The food for all believers is always
God's word! Reading and meditating in the scriptures bring much more than just good
information, but also vital food for our souls. I also find it very interesting that the most attractive
element is salt!
You are the salt of the earth.
(Jesus speaking) Matthew 5:13
Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.
Hebrews 10:25
Conclusion
I have tried to show how a butterfly, in all of its stages of growth, is analogous to the growth and
spiritual development of all believers in Jesus. Some may think this type of analogy is a bit of a
stretch, and that's OK.
However, also from scripture, are clear indications that we would do well to pay attention to God's
created world to see and learn more about him.
But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a
long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see
what their eyes as such can't see - eternal power for instance, and the mystery of his
divine being.
Romans 1:19-20 The Message
In conclusion, here are some practical points to consider in light of this study.
1. Practice the Presence of God
All believers have God's Spirit inside of them and are being transformed all the time. We make a
huge mistake if we think this process occurs only when we are doing spiritual things! (If that were
the case, all growth and sanctification would depend on us, and if that were true, none of us
would ever get there!)
Is a butterfly a butterfly only when it is flying? Or is it still a butterfly if it is at rest on the ground?
Of course, a butterfly, (Or caterpillar) never ceases to be what it is regardless of what it is doing at
any moment. Likewise, if we are believers in Jesus and are on the journey, we are still believers
on a journey and being transformed when we are at rest sleeping, playing in recreation, working
at our jobs, as well as praying, worshipping and serving in church.
We must develop an attitude and mindset of practicing the presence of God, of being aware of
God in everything we do.
2. Don’t' strive to become what only God can make you become.
A good phrase to remember and one that can be derived from scripture is this:
We do what we can do, and God does what we cannot do.
We are also told that Jesus is the
"Author and finisher of our faith"
(Heb. 12:2)
Jesus not only started it, but he is fully able and promises to bring it all to completion.
Jesus called himself "The Alpha and The Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and
the end".
(Rev. 22:13)
This really means that God is not only the beginning and the end, but also everything in between
as well! At no point on our journey do we ever take the reigns, or say, "Thanks God, but I'll take it
from here!"
We could learn a lot from butterflies in that they are content to be who they are without pretense.
Jesus told us to take a look at the sparrows and learn this lesson, also look at the lilies of the
field.
Sanctification DOES require our partnership, but we must remember that it is God who causes
any growth or change! What is required on our part is faith in the transforming power of God's
grace.
3. Grow in Grace
Every living thing has one thing in common - they grow and change!
If we cease to grow/change, there only remains one alternative – death. The same reality holds
true for our spiritual growth. God has a specific plan and outline for each one of us that he
designed exactly for us. But we can never get there without growth and change. (I even believe
that eternity will include an aspect of growth as well. God is so big and beyond understanding,
that even in a glorified eternal state, it will require stages of growth in knowledge and grasping
forever to know him more)
When we watch a butterfly in flight, with its zig zag motion, it may not look graceful at all! But I
view all butterflies as small reminders of God's grace to me. They each have gone through the
process of metamorphosis, and now they continue to grow and change as a mature, adult insect.
No matter where we are on our journey, our story is not much different. All believers must go
through a similar metamorphosis, and we must all continue to allow grace to change and
transform us.
So, the next time that you see a butterfly outside on a summer day, I hope and pray that you can
think about some of these things. Allow it to shift your thoughts toward God, who is never very far
away from any of us.
John Boda
www.magdane.com
