Devotional

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  

—2 Corinthians 5:17 

 Have you ever witnessed the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly?  

 From the start, the caterpillar’s job is simple. Eat healthy … and stay alive. When the time is right, it spins a chrysalis, usually hanging by a thin thread from a leaf, and the transformation begins.  

 While encased, the comatose caterpillar is near death — but it is not the end! God’s handiwork is just beginning. When the cocoon falls to the ground, the metamorphosis is complete. In a relatively short amount of time, a drab caterpillar unfolds wings of beautiful color and flies into the sky. 

 God’s display of grace in nature gives us a visual understanding of His work in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul is talking about a spiritual metamorphosis, a sinner transformed — saved by grace and given new freedom in Jesus.  

 Here are three changes that occurred in your life when you joined His family:  

 You received a new outlook. 
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). 

 You were granted a new identity. 

• The salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). 
• God’s handiwork (Ephesians 2:10). 
• Christ’s friend (John 15:15). 
• Chosen by Him to bear fruit (John 15:16). 
• A child of God and one with others in His family (Galatians 3:26-28). 

 You were instilled with a new purpose. 

“…And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). 

 Amid the chaos and confusion of our world today, it’s nice to be reminded of who you are in Christ: imbued with a purpose to the glory of God. Walk in confidence today! 

 My prayer this week—Father, you are a great God! And in you, all things are made new. The troubles and cares of this world melt away in the shadow of your love. Help me to always recognize your goodness, and how you’ve transformed my life … from a caterpillar to a butterfly! Give me opportunities today to shine the light of Christ and share Him with a lost, hurting world.