Metamorphosis: Beholding Is Becoming

The Christian journey of becoming is an invitation to behold the glory of the Lord, rather than to obsess over ourselves and what the world thinks of us. In this reflection, Hanaya wrestles with the slow process of transformation—learning to rise above self-focus and worldly distractions in order to behold something far greater.Beholding is becoming. If there is any key to maturity, it is that. Behold your God in Jesus Christ. Because to see that for what it really is, will renew your mind and transform your life and produce unending worship.— John PiperAnd we all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18The Greek word translated “transformed” in this verse is the same word that we translate as “metamorphosis” in English. This is the process of change from which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. The caterpillar is a worm that must crawl on the earth, being conformed to the contours of the earth. Then it goes into a cocoon where it is transformed. However, one of the biggest tests the new creature will face is breaking out of the cocoon, but it is this great struggle that strengthens it so that it can flap its large wings when it is free. We too go through a great struggle to be transformed into the new creation we are called to be. Breaking free of the old self is the greatest struggle of all. It too is designed by God to strengthen us so that we can soar high above the earth to the heavenly places we are called to abide in. We must not waste our trials. We must not run from the struggle if we are going to become strong enough to be what we are called to be. Will our hearts yield to the process to enter the cocoon of change and be launched out to fly?Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.— Colossians 3:2 | Romans 12:2 Hanaya Oki Chapters:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7r2cZbxW9a3lozAhzXfEPyKnow more:https://superdifferent.com/hanaya