by Tom Geoffroy

Created on: January 10, 2010

The goal of every Christian is to live up to their name. Believers in Jesus Christ were first called Christians two thousand years ago because the people they lived among saw them act like Christ and so they called them Christians meaning "little christs." This observation was made by people outside the church, not by those of like precious faith. The reason their behavior and demeanor reminded others of Christ, is because they were transformed by the words of Christ and the Spirit of Christ. In other words they adhered to the teaching "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2b). The following will give you a better understanding of that verse and how it can be applied in the Christian believer's life.

1. Understanding the original language:

The New Testament was written in Greek so it would be helpful to understand the Greek words used. In this case we will look at just one word which will bring light to the whole verse. The English word, "transformed" is translated from the Greek word "metamorphoo." This is the same as metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is the process a caterpillar goes through to become a beautiful butterfly. Once you have that picture in your mind we can look at the process and better understand the meaning of the whole verse.

2. The caterpillar:

Most people agree; caterpillars are not very beautiful. They look ugly and can be destructive. Compare that to what the Bible says about mankind. We are sinners and there is no good thing in us. Sin is ugly and destructive. That is the nature of sin and sinners.

3. The butterfly:

Butterflies are one of the most beautiful of God's creation. Beautiful to look at, they attract attention by their gentleness and grace. They have tremendous stamina as they fly long distances to migrate. Butterflies soar above worldly obstacles and are not limited by what lies on the earth. Who has ever been hurt by a butterfly?

So to, to see Christ is to see beauty in gentleness and grace. Christ endured much in order to gain salvation for many. Christ lived above the sinfulness of His time. Who has ever been hurt by Jesus?

4. Metamorphosis:

One definition of metamorphosis is: "Any complete change in appearance and character." The ugly caterpillar goes through a complete change. When finished the butterfly appears and the caterpillar is long forgotten. When the two are inspected side by side, you would never think one came from the other. The same is true for the Christian believer. The old person (before

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