GOD'S BOOT CAMP
When a civilian enters the military, they go through boot camp. It's my understanding that in boot camp, the individual is broken down, and they are retrained to see themselves as part of the unit. They are conditioned to be disciplined to obey the commands of their superiors. In a sense, they stop seeing themselves as they were before boot camp, and when they look into a mirror, they see the soldier they have become, and the qualities that are part of that.
As a believer in Christ, we are to reflect Him. And that comes about because, as we submit to Him, He leads us through a boot camp of His own. Paul says, "[we] are being transformed into His likeness." Like a butterfly is transformed from a caterpillar, he wants to change our lives from slavery to sin, into a victorious life in relationship with Him.