Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Caterpillars inch their way through their existence, gorge themselves on foliage. It’s all they know. They’re content with life as they know it. They have no clue there is a better way, a better form of living awaiting them. All they can perceive is they most indulge in the things surrounding them, and then, they spin a cocoon. To them, this entrapment is death. They wake up a changed creature in a new world where they have wings to fly.
Like a caterpillar, we seek the pleasures of this world, indulging ourselves in all sorts of delights to satisfy our human cravings. We can’t help ourselves any more than caterpillars can keep themselves from gorging on leaves. It’s caterpillar nature. And seeking to satisfy our own desires is human nature.
Many people never look beyond this world. They have a caterpillar mindset. This is all there is. Enjoy the lusts of your hearts while you can for tomorrow you die.
But those of us who know Jesus have a different mindset. He has created a new creature in us. We look at things anew. Our existence no longer consists of just what this world has to offer. Although we still enjoy and embrace much of the wonders of the world, they are no longer our main focus. We know there is something much grander in store for us.
In a sense, when we submit to Christ, He wraps us in a cocoon. In whom [Christ] ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13), Now we consider our new life on earth our cocoon existence. We have put of the old and put on the new. We are sealed in the Holy Spirit. God is creating the image of Christ in us as we live out our lives. We don’t know what we will be when we break free from this entrapment. But we do know we’ll be like Him. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself (Philippians 3:20-21).
As He creates Christ’s image in us, He delights in His creation. He sees us differently than we see ourselves.
I developed an acronym, using the word butterfly, to remind you and me of how our Father sees us.
B-beautiful. You are beautiful in God’s eyes because Jesus has cloaked you in His righteousness. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe (Romans 3:22).
U-unique. You are unique in God’s sight. He has created each of us with unique looks, abilities, and personalities. Just like butterflies, there are no two exactly alike. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works (Psalms 139:14).
T-teachable. God never stops teaching life lessons. Therefore it’s safe to say you are teachable. We never stop learning. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation (Psalm 25:5).
T-Talented. By God’s design you are talented. He has gifted you with special abilities, interests and desires to accomplish your purpose. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4).
E-empowered. The Holy Spirit has empowered you to fight the battles you face in this world and guarantees you the victory. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).
R-Radiant. When God looks at you, He sees the glory of Jesus. His Light shines in and through you. You radiate. We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).
F-Flawless. God has forgiven you. In His eyes, you are flawless through the work of Jesus on the cross. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12).
L-Lowly. Yes, God sees you as a lowly, meek creature. One who needs provisions, protection, and lots of grace. But cheer up. Lowliness was one of Jesus’ earthly attributes (Mark 11:29). Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly (Psalm 138:6).
Y-You. God sees you in your little cocoon. He loves what He sees with all His heart. Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee (Jeremiah 31:3).
How about you? How does God see you?
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda K. Hendricks
Encouraging Today's Christian 
Special post, Brenda! This made me think of the song “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.” I loved the cassette we had long ago with this song on it and wish I could find it on cd for our grandchildren.
I just started a new Bible study by Priscilla Shirer (well, new to me, anyway, since it’s one of her older ones). It’s about our identity in Christ and getting the abundant life from the fullness of God. I want to discover how God sees me. I know it through head knowledge, but I need the heart knowledge. Even today, in answer to a plea in my quiet-time journaling, I felt a nudge about maybe too often seeking accolades from publishing and how it’s not what God has in mind, and certainly does not fit my commissioning verse.
At the installation service for our new pastor on Sunday, one of the speakers challenged him from the first six verses in II Timothy. Much of what he said hit home for my writing ministry, especially the verses from which he drew these thoughts: “Do not get distracted from your mission” and “Stay in your lane.” I think I keep working on the pieces for Chicken Soup and the gift book ideas because they are easy, they don’t require as much of me as the project the Spirit wants me working on, the one way outside my box and my expertise. I think He’s saying I’m to focus on that project, and although not ignore the others completely, to be so in tune with His will for each moment that I recognize His prompting when He says, “Okay, work on one of those now.”
Would you please pray for me to do this? I want to do His work. Pray I keep myself and my need for personal affirmation at bay. I only need His okay, His support, His praise as seen through His love…which takes me full circle back to the Bible study and my desire to want more of the abundant life in His fullness!
Blessings, Brenda! Thank you for writing for Him…and us.
Thank you for your comments, Cathy. I will remember you in prayer. I have similar concerns about my own walk. Please pray for me as well.
Will do, Brenda!
Thank you, Brenda. I really needed that this morning. I often focus on my negative aspects and shortcomings rather than think about myself the way God thinks about me.
What a blessing to bless others. I often need the reminder too. I should print a copy and hang on my bathroom mirror. Thanks for letting me know it touched you.