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Though a simple technology, mirrors are an amazing object. A piece of glass, placed over a highly reflective surface, reflects light in such a way that we can see ourselves clearly and perfectly. Like a mirror, God made man to be a reflection of Himself. Yet sin, separating us from God, tarnished God’s reflection, causing us to look nothing like Him. It’s the reason we needed to be born again; we needed a savior.

At salvation, God’s nature was placed at the core of our being. His Holy Spirit came to live in our spirit. If a mirror could be placed in front of your spirit, you would see a reflection of God – His Spirit within you. The Christian journey is learning to continually listen to and surrender to the life of God in our spirit, instead of being led and controlled by the familiar patterns of our flesh. It’s a lifelong process led by God through the reflective properties of His Word:

“Get rid of all uncleanness and rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls” (James 1:21).

The process, as stated in the verse above, begins as you receive, agree with and believe God’s Word. Transformation occurs as you repent when God reveals where your reflection does not resemble Christ’s. Sincere repentance releases a supernatural power that leads to a change in your thinking, and ultimately a change in your behavior.

Whatever your sin struggle, you can profess: “That’s not who I am in my spirit.” Reflect your true image in Christ using the mirror of God’s Word. Filling in the blank with your specific sin, confess: I’ve been believing and acting  ________________________.

Then profess: But the truth is, because God is in me, ______________________.

In time, you will stand in awe as the person you see in the mirror begins to reflect the Spirit of God in you.

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Butterfly metamorphosis is one of the most spectacular transformations in nature. These beautiful insects begin life as awkward caterpillars with restricted mobility. Then, cocooned in a chrysalis, a series of dramatic physical transformations takes place. The transformed caterpillar eventually emerges dark, wet, and quivering from its cocoon. Intricately patterned wings slowly unfold and the butterfly begins to flit freely from flower to flower.

God calls each of His children to undergo spiritual metamorphosis. This is the process of being transformed into the image of Christ. This holy transformation is how God’s kingdom of light, His glory, is spread throughout the earth by His people, the church.

At salvation, we are like an emerging butterfly. Brand new creatures in Christ, our old nature is gone and new life has come. We have wings of faith that must be unfurled and exercised. God uses His Word to strengthen us as we feed upon and obey it.

An integral part of our recreation is the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Like the wings of a butterfly, God’s Word is activated by the Spirit to lift us to new freedoms in Christ. Our wings of faith are tested by different air currents: troubles, trials and disappointments. As we surrender to the authority of Christ’s Word and Spirit, He enables us to resist temptation and respond to troubling difficulties in the all-sufficient grace of Christ.

Are you experiencing the freedom from sin that a life of faith and obedience to Christ brings? Cocoon yourself with Him in daily fellowship, receiving His words. What will be the result? Like the divinely designed patterns on a butterfly’s wings, you will display the intricate beauty and glory of your Maker. He will continue to unfold dazzling wings of faith that will lift you high above evil, morphing you into His holy likeness. Others will see your good deeds and be drawn to Christ.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

Majestic in appearance and mighty in strength, the lion is often referred to as king of the jungle. He has no natural predators and rules over much of the animal kingdom, able to kill animals much larger than he is. Lions are fierce in protecting their young. They will fight, even unto death, to protect them. However, the mighty lion does not compare to the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ.

Seeing His offspring threatened and attacked by Satan, the Lion of Judah became the Lamb of God, laying down His life for our sins. In doing so, Jesus defeated Satan. He conquered death. He rescued us from Satan’s kingdom of darkness and the power of sin. He brought us into His glorious kingdom.

To successfully live in God’s kingdom, we too must rise up with fierce tenacity and boldness:

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing (endured violent assault), and forceful men lay hold of it (with ardent zeal and intense exertion)” (Matthew 11:12).

Jesus spoke the words above in response to a question from John the Baptist: “Are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). John sent his question from a prison cell, trapped in a circumstance he did not understand. Jesus lovingly encouraged him:

“Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account on Me” (Matthew 11:6).

Like Jesus, to rise up like a mighty lion we must first bow low as a sacrificial lamb. When circumstances overwhelm and confuse us, we must relinquish our evaluations and expectations to the Sovereign will and goodness of God. Then, we must rise and fight to believe. We fight to believe that Jesus is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do. In believing, we will receive:

“The promise comes by faith so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed” (Romans 4:16).

Is a current circumstance causing you to “fall away” from God? Bow low and confess your disappointment and frustration. Release your own expectations. Then, ask God for the strength to rise up with mighty faith and believe.