Along Came A Butterfly

ALONG CAME A BUTTERFLY:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Food is essential for life. Daily consumption of food is vital for sustaining life. Without it, we couldn’t grow. We get strength and vitality from food. Only eating satisfies our hunger and nourishes us.

At birth, the caterpillar simply eats. As it does, it grows. Later it makes a cocoon where it remains. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar goes through changes. In time, it emerges as a butterfly. The caterpillar has the potential to become a butterfly. But it must go through changes.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18.

At spiritual birth, we received the life of God, which can transform us. But this transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lifelong process.

Like the caterpillars, we need to eat spiritual food so we can grow and develop to full maturity. Just as we feed our physical bodies, our inner man long to be fed, nourished, and energized. Without regular nutrition, our inner man begins to suffer the consequences.

Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual food when He was tempted by Satan:

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4.

Man is both physical and spiritual, which is why spiritual food is just as crucial as physical nourishment. Just as vibrant health and growth in the physical realm are critically dependent on a proper, well-balanced diet, so also our spiritual side is in critical need of proper spiritual food. This spiritual food is “every word that comes from the mouth of God” God gave us His Word to be our spiritual food. The words that proceed out of God’s mouth are food for us to eat.

“Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16.

The Bible is the very breath of the living God; it is of life and can impart life to us. The Word alone satisfies our inner hunger for spiritual food. Just like Jeremiah, we also can take the Word of God as food and eat it to satisfy our spiritual hunger and cause our hearts to be joyful. A regular diet of God’s Word is sure to keep your soul well-nourished and growing.

“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” 1 Peter 2:2.

Are you a new believer? How long have you been saved? Have you been feeding your inner man? What are you feeding your soul right now? Stop and think about that today.

When babies are born, they can only drink milk. In time though, they transition to solid food. When used together, milk and meat strengthen and mature us. When neglected, growth stops.

New Christians are often called "baby Christians." Baby Christians need spiritual milk. The word "milk" in the above quote (Greek gala, Strong's Concordance #G1051) means the basic, elemental teachings of true Christianity first learned by new believers. As we grow, we transition to solid food. But if we do not partake of the milk, we gain no nourishment.

The word "meat" comes from the Greek word Broma (Strong's #G1033) and means the more solid, complete and deeper spiritual doctrines of the Gospel. Are you ready for solid food? Nobody should stay as babies. We should grow. We need to grow into eating “solid food” and not only feed ourselves but feed others as well. We must move on to maturity.

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

Where are you in your walk with God? Apostle Paul is here chastising his readers for their lack of maturity, although they have been saved for a while. He says that they should be ready to teach others, but instead, they have to be taught the fundamentals all over again. Jealousy and strife should have been put off with the “old man.” Yet, they were living with the “old man.” They don’t even seem to be that concerned that they aren’t growing!