Butterfly life cycle versus the growth process of a Christian

I love butterflies! I find them to be some of the most remarkable creatures on the planet.They are such beautiful winged insects whose life cycle carries so much meaning and symbolism parallel to the growth process of a Christian.  

Many of us have experienced our own “metamorphosis”, becoming new creatures in Christ but what is also similar, is the transformation often occuring in “stages.” Sometimes these stages of life are  uncomfortable and even painful but in the end, a beautiful butterfly emerges, souring high and rising above all of the layers that it had to shed along the journey.

Here is my comparison and breakdown of the four stages of life.

First Stage: The Egg
As with a butterfly, we start out in our walk as tiny eggs which are in every essence, quite fragile. As hard of a shell as some of us give the outer appearance of having, when we surrender to the Lord as babes in Christ we become as delicate baby eggs, requiring nourishment, protection and supervision until we are ready for the next phase of life.

Interesting Fact: Each tiny egg is a circular or oval shape that can easily roll away and get lost, misplaced or crushed.
Personal note* Baby “eggs” in Christ need to stay together with other likeminded “eggs” and under the protective authority of their spiritual covering until they have matured.

Second Stage: The Larva (Caterpillar)
When the egg hatches, consequently, a butterfly does not emerge, but rather a fuzzy and peculiar insect in the similitude of a worm. This furry little creature stumbles and inches its way along as it consistently grows and expands. During some research, it was discovered that in this phase, the caterpillar spends most of its time eating. I remember when I first gave my life to Christ and joined a church home, all I wanted to do was be under my Pastor’s teachings, read books that enhanced my spirit and listen to music that nourished my soul. As I grew in the things of God I found that certain habits, places, people and things no longer fit comfortably in my life, I could no longer digest them.  Like the growing caterpillar, I was “molting” which is a process during this phase when the caterpillar sheds its outgrown skin.

Interesting Fact: A caterpillar will go through the molting process several times while it is growing.
Personal Note* During our Christian walk, we are constantly shedding layers of our former selves. We must shed the anger, the hatred, the depression, the stress, the habits and anything or anybody that would hinder us from moving forward.

Third Stage: Pupa (Chrysalis)
During the Pupa or Chrysalis stage, the Caterpillar has come into maturity, reaching its fullest length and weight. They become so full that it is now required for them to build a protective “shell” called a cocoon so that they can prepare for the next phase of life. God has set aside and sanctified His people to do a work in Him and there are times in our lives when we have to “shut in” and go into a “cocoon” in order to hear from Him. That secret dwelling place is where we find shelter, strength, comfort, healing and deliverance. Our spiritual “cocoon” is a place where God takes all of those things that we have shed and replaces them with His word, His creative works, His Holy Spirit and His love.

Interesting fact: About a day before the adult butterfly emerges, the chrysalis (of most species) becomes transparent.
Personal note* Before we can become effective witnesses, we not only have to shed layers and layers of our former self but God may require us to become transparent that we can be a living example of His greatness in our lives.

Fourth Stage: Adult Butterfly
Inside of the cocoon, the caterpillar goes through a major transformation called “metamorphosis.” As many of you already know, a butterfly in appearance is quite different from a caterpillar, growing wings that are often colorful and beautiful, taking on a whole new shape and form. As the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, its wings are slightly soft and still pressed up against the body. The new creature may not quite be used to its new form and may not even realize that it can fly right away. As the blood begins to pump into the wings, suddenly, the butterfly realizes its capabilities and within hours it will master flying and take off. Some Christians have been in church all of their lives, feasting on God’s word, learning and meditating, digesting and applying. At a point we become so full of God’s word that our cup overflows and it is now time for us to break forth from that cocoon and soar to higher heights. At this point it’s time to pour back into the earth, sow seeds into another or mentor/minister to someone else. At this phase ministries are born, books are birthed, songs are written and the gospel is shared throughout the earth through art, music, speech, literature and dance.

Interesting fact: There are approximately 28000 species of butterflies worldwide.                                     Personal Note* We are all uniquely designed, fearfully and wonderfully made, handcrafted by the Master’s hands, varying in gifts, talents and abilities. There is no need for us to covet someone else’s “wings” when God has purpose for each of us. And it is His perfect timing and will for all of the seasons or “stages” in our lives.

There you have it! An analysis and comparison of the growth cycle of a Christian versus the beloved butterfly. So tell me, what stage are you in?