A Worm With Wings?

I have often been fascinated by the question of the extent to which a "redeemed" human being is different from an "unredeemed" human. On the one hand, it is clear that the life of someone who has been restored to a relationship with the Father-Creator, of someone who has reconnected heart-to-heart with God, is fundamentally different. Living out a love-relationship with God through Christ is not just "sin management." In fact, an atheist can learn the disciplines that will make him or her a "better person." It's easy to conclude that our full redemption must wait until this sinful body is no longer a barrier. But if that was bottom line, why not advocate for pastor-assisted suicide?

That makes the words of Paul in Romans 12:1-3 even more interesting. The core of his message is this: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (verse 2). On the negative side, Paul tells us to not pattern our mind and character after the tendencies of this present age. In fact, our natural tendency is to do this very thing. Our default response is to discover current trends and adopt and adapt them. We so quickly and easily conform to current cultural values, perspectives and thought patterns. Instead, we are to be "transformed." Some of you are aware that the word behind this word is metamorphoo, the word that is the basis for the English metamorphosis. And that obviously brings up the story of the butterfly.

Have you ever wondered about the process, the one we call metamorphosis, that results in a butterfly? Is a butterfly really just a worm with wings? How different is the butterfly from the original caterpillar? So I googled it - and here's what I found: a caterpillar undergoes a "complete metamorphosis." The original "larva" is very different from the adult butterfly. It actually eats different kinds of food. The caterpillar grows very quickly and sheds its skin 4 or 5 times, but it still isn't a butterfly. Eventually the caterpillar stops growing and surrounds itself with a cocoon. Inside of the cocoon, the caterpillar releases special enzymes that literally dissolve the larval tissues. Special cells that were always present but dormant in the caterpillar now begin to grow, forming legs and wings and eyes. At the right time the full-grown butterfly emerges to fly and reproduce. The butterfly is clearly related to the caterpillar, sharing all the original DNA. But it is a very different creature. Metamorphoo literally means another form. 

So what does it mean to be transformed? The dynamic presence and influence of the Holy Spirit on and in a human person does not make them less human. In fact, it makes them more human. You see, humans were created to be more like butterflies than like caterpillars. But a process of metamorphosis, of transformation, must take place. The result is related to the original but is fundamentally different.

Paul goes on to say that we are to be transformed "by the renewing of your mind." "Renew" means "to be new again." The process of transformation takes place significantly in our minds. Our thinking must become new again. Our mental perspectives and attitudes must conform to the thought patterns of God as revealed in Scripture. And in so doing, our lives will be a growing demonstration of God's "good, pleasing and perfect will" (verse 3). 

The process of human transformation is not just a matter of mental gymnastics. Paul begins this section by urging us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" (verse 1). Our entire concrete selves are involved in redemption and in transformation. The very act of presenting our entire selves to God is an act of worship, the core of our commitment to and service of God. 

So is real transformation possible? If it isn't, Paul was messing with us by just bring it up. Transformation is the logical outcome of a restored connection to the heart of the Father. But transformation is so much more than sin management. We are destined to be so much more than a worm with wings. It is so much more than living by a list of external "dos" and "don'ts." A transformed life is very different from its former life. It shares the same DNA, but the original human "stuff" has now been metamorphozed into a beautiful butterfly.

Individuals can be transformed. And organizations can be transformed. Sometimes the biggest obstacle to real transformation can be a fear of change. And let there be no doubt about it: transformation will involve profound change. The result will bear little resemblance to the original. But the new found ability to fly will make it all worthwhile.