Wings

The butterfly begins as an egg, hatches into a caterpillar, then a pupa or chrysalis forms, enclosing the head and body of the caterpillar. Next a metamorphosis takes place, their body tissue breaks down and reforms as legs, wings, and other parts.

When the butterfly emerges from the pupa, it cannot fly right away. The wings are wrinkled and moist. Bodily fluids must be pumped into them to straighten out. They must dry and harden to be fully developed and before flight is possible.

Let’s set that aside for a moment.

As Christians, we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. Jesus bore our sins on the cross. When he died, he put to death all our sins. He then rose victorious from the dead three days later, conquering death and sin for each of us.

When we accept Christ as Lord, we are united with him in his death and resurrection.

Romans 6:5-11: “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

When reading this Scripture, I wondered, why am I not living more “alive to God,” living a life that is victorious, light and beautiful and joyful like a butterfly that flits over the flowers so beautifully endowed with color and gentleness and peace. Yes, bad things happen and cause discomfort but even on a good day, why the furrowed brow and downcast soul?

For some reason I’m better able to relate to the death of my sins than I can relate to the fact that I am victoriously united with Christ, “alive in Christ,” and free to live joyfully and peacefully no matter the circumstances.

Am I stuck, like a butterfly with undeveloped wings? Have I arrogantly considered myself a Christian for some time now, baptized and saved, educated in Scripture and somewhat developed in my relationship with Christ – and yet the entire time I have yet to take flight??

Do you relate to this at all? Or is it just me?

Lord, there is more than what we have yet discovered. We humbly set ourselves before You and ask for Your help. May we be blessed “with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know You better. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance.” May we develop into the persons You destined us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.