Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis: “(in an insect or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.” (Oxford Language and Google Dictionary)
Each honeybee begins her life as an egg. She hatches on the 3rd day as a very hungry worm. While being fed by her nest mates she is never satisfied. Within 24 hours she consumes 7 ½ times her weight in food! She is fed in this manner for 7 days after which she is stuck in her cell with all the foundational science of a honeybee but the body of a squishy, immobile worm.
Her nestmates seal her into her cell where she spins herself into a cocoon. There she begins the process of metamorphosis. She spends 2 weeks in that pupa stage as old cells die, new cells are formed and she is transformed into what we know as a honeybee - legs, body, wings, antenna. When she emerges, she is fixed on serving. She is aware of the needs of her nest mates and the environment. She is built to serve.
Metamorphosis: “a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.” (Oxford Language and Google Dictionary)
The journey of a Christ follower may look much like the honeybee’s metamorphosis from larva to adult honeybee on repeat. We often walk into faith hungry, starving for understanding, knowledge, hope. Some may be eager to seek out mentors, teachers, authors, and community that “feeds” us truth from scripture as our sustenance and basis for understanding. Many may be unaware of the ways God is equipping them in each season whether their relationship with Him is brand new or decades in the making. No matter how long the journey, we have the opportunity to be made new!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
We are not intended to remain in our “cell” for too long. God has designed us to study in community so we are equipped to then serve in community. God gives us safe places of rest and respite, while others continue on with the work. But, when we emerge after a season of equipping and growth, we are a new creation. We are designed with purpose in mind. It may not be as clear as the purpose of a honeybee, but when we allow God to metamorphosize our lives we can march forward with clear direction because of our intrinsic value as creations made in the image of God.
In what phase of metamorphosis are you?
What purpose has God set before you?