Metamorphosis (noun): a change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means; a striking alteration in appearance, character or circumstances. Synonym: Transformation
I debated back and forth for many months about writing on two similar words: Metamorphosis and Transformation. One of my friends suggested the word “transformation” to me during this time, when it was already in my mind to write about. So, I researched both words, and since they are synonyms for each other, will be intermixing them into this post.
But I decided to have Metamorphosis be the title word, and perhaps as you read on, you’ll understand why….
Transformation is an act, process, or instance of changing. I understand this word as the process of change. Metamorphosis, however, I recognize as more of the end result of the change. In relation to Faith, transformation is the spiritual progress, the faith formation of our souls. But metamorphosis is the spiritual awakening, the “born again” moments in our lives.
My own actions can support a transformation such as applying spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, bible study, service, and worship. These activities can bring about gradual and incremental transformation in my life. But the metamorphosis requires a supernatural means – that “means” being God and God alone. My daily habits of prayer and worship can help transform my worry into peace. But I need God’s intervention to create a new being in me.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have experienced both transformation and metamorphosis several times in my life. I do my part as a disciple of Jesus to continue my transformation with intention to become more and more like Him. To let go of the patterns of this world and renew my mind with His Word, just as the Apostle Paul instructed to the people of Rome:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
My behaviors and actions contribute to my spiritual progress, my process of transformation. But God is responsible for a metamorphosis. That’s an event that is God ordained, God orchestrated, and God made.
Of course, the children’s story “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle came to mind as I researched these words. See the story animated here.
As the caterpillar ate his way through everything, he had a physical transformation – he went from very little to very big – mostly because of his own actions and decisions. BUT, but, when he went into his cocoon – he experienced a metamorphosis – and emerged as a new creation. The caterpillar didn’t cause the metamorphosis, he didn’t “will” himself into a new being. He didn’t teach himself how to be a butterfly. He did the work to prepare, followed God’s lead into the cocoon, and simply surrendered to the transformative power of his Creator.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
Transformation is my work to put off the former way of life, but metamorphosis is God’s action of putting on a new self.
The heart of Christianity is believing in metamorphosis: That God can, and does, create something new in people who we may believe to be unreachable or unchangeable, including ourselves. Such people may not intentionally set out to be transformed, perhaps have no desire to be changed, and yet God chooses them. Anyone can be redeemed, converted, metamorphosized. Not by their own deeds, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
No caterpillar is exempted from the possibility of becoming a butterfly.
When I take time to look around me, and in me, I can find examples of metamorphosis everywhere – way more than caterpillars!
In the world I see examples…
- When I listen to participants from Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge choir give their testimonies at my church describing their metamorphosis from addiction to freedom.
- When I hear the song “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me – and learn about the story behind this song of an abusive father’s transformation through the love of Christ.
- When I watch the powerful videos found at I Am Second full of unique situations, circumstances, and events…but all ending with same result: a metamorphosis into a Child of God.
- When I read the book “Love Does” by Bob Goff and am told about the metamorphosis of a brutal witch doctor into an ardent Christ follower.
In the Bible I see examples like….
- The zealot Saul meets a resurrected Christ and becomes Apostle Paul, one of His most influential followers (Acts 9)
- A stubborn Jacob wrestles all night with God and the ending metamorphosis? He becomes Israel.
- Disciple (student) Peter becomes Apostle (messenger) Peter – all apostles were disciples, but not all disciples become apostles. In Matthew 26:72-74, Peter was a disciple, and denying he even knew Jesus. But then he meets the resurrected Christ (John 21) and received forgiveness and restoration. He experiences the filling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). He becomes the Apostle Peter not by his own strength or abilities or deeds, but by Christ’s touch and the spirit’s indwelling.
In nature I see examples like….
- Caterpillars into butterflies
- Hermit crabs leaving behind a small shell for a larger one
- Snakes and cicadas molting their skins, releasing their exoskeletons to grow
- Acorns and seeds become flowers and trees
- Tadpoles into frogs
In ME…
- From under a lampshade to a city on a hill (Mt 5:14-16)
- From Fan to Follower
- From hesitant helper to faithful servant (Mt 25:21)
- From Jamie into Glee (explained in my Beauty blog post)
Two of my favorite songs about the transformational power of Jesus Christ share the same song title but have different lyrics.
I’d love to hear about your metamorphosis!