As this school year is coming to an end, I have been thinking a lot about what God has done during my second year of teaching here at Manantial. There are many things that God has been teaching me as well as many things that have stood out to me in His creation. Something that has really stood out to me this year is butterflies. I see them everywhere! When I’m driving, they come into my classroom when I am teaching and even when I am at the beach relaxing. Everywhere!
Butterflies are each so unique and beautiful. In their different sizes, shapes, colors, patterns… they all radiate the beauty of God. Just like we do! There are 3 things that stand out to me about butterflies that I want to daily remember and live out, in my life and walk with the Lord, as I live and teach here in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
They don’t stay as they are— they undergo a major transformation.
When God called us by name, we were bound by death, but Jesus came and brought a way into salvation. Our lives have been permanently changed. Not only has our place of eternity changed, but our old self has died! The sins that once had power over us, are now defeated. When we choose to believe the message of the Gospel, we undergo a major life transformation. Just like butterflies, when they go from cocoon to butterfly. They come out of the cocoon and spread their wings.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
They come in contact with many things and they leave them better than when they landed on them— they pollinate the plants around them.
Butterflies fly around and land on many things in a day. When butterflies land on flowers and plants, they help them grow by pollinating them! Their purpose is to help them bloom and grow by simply coming in contact. Much like us, we come in contact with people every single day. Family members, co-workers, friends, strangers. Are we coming in contact with them to help them grow? To help them thrive in their purpose in the Kingdom of God? It is so easy to go through our lives “self-focused” but there is beauty in choosing others first. Like Jesus chose us, before Himself on the cross. We are lights in the dark world. Let’s choose to live intentionally like butterflies, leaving people better than when we first came in contact with them.
“Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
Butterflies gently flutter their wings— travel with humility and grace while radiating God’s beauty.
Butterflies are gentle, harmless creatures. As they go through their lifespan, they fly from place to place by gently fluttering their wings. When you watch a butterfly, you can’t help but notice their beauty. They are a perfect example of walking through life with humility and grace while radiating God’s beauty. When Jesus, the King of Kings, walked on this earth He wasn’t full of pride, He wasn’t full of Himself… He walked humbly, concerning himself with the will of God and caring for others. In a world full of pride and selfishness, we can choose to walk through this life with a purpose bigger than ourselves, and that radiates the glory of God. And that is the Will of God, to radiate Him!
“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Pray with me…
Father God, as believers in this dark world, we have undergone a huge life transformation. Thank you for saving us and changing us to be more like your son, Jesus! Help us to not stop with the life transformation of ourselves. There are people around us, who we come in contact with every day, who don’t know your message of salvation and freedom. Help us to choose to flutter our wings, to live intentionally for your glory. Help us to do all things to build your Kingdom, all for you and not ourselves. We love you, Father. Amen.
-Kayla Miller, GEM Missionary