Butterflies were one of Mom’s favorite things. Symbolic of change, they reflect her favorite verse: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) This verse is about change, an essential of the Christian life. Essential because God is all about transforming His children to be like Christ. A believer’s true butterfly moment comes at the end of this life, when once and for all the bounds of sinfulness are shed, newly free in our true home! Meanwhile, our experience sort of bounces around: sometimes we are like the hungry caterpillar with insatiable longings, shedding off habits that—like outgrown skin—no longer “fit”. Other times we are flitting around and being very productive. And still other times we feel constricted, squeezed in a cocoon of pressures on all sides! Yes, the Christian life is one of change…
But this life of change starts with an exchange: our sin for Christ’s righteousness. A few more verses later, you can read about this exchange: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) This verse points to God’s good news for mankind. That “baby in the manger” was God’s son, Jesus, sent to earth on a very specific mission: to take on our sin on our behalf, paying the debt for all the things that we have done against God’s law. Those things, no matter how we feel about them, cause a chasm between us and God. And they carry a stiff penalty: death, eternal separation from God. Sounds pretty bad, right? It is… SUPER bad! But God loves us in such an incredible way! Because of His great love, He sent His Son to die on the cross, shedding His blood to pay for our sin. When we accept that great gift of love, we are forgiven all our sin. Those who have accepted that gift have been given Christ’s righteousness in exchange for their sin, as that verse says. Now God sees us as righteous, rather than as filthy sinners; and the barrier caused by our sin is torn down. What a great exchange, I mean, talk about trading up! So, why would anyone not want to take that deal? Well, it’s hard to admit that you need help; we’ve all struggled with this at one time or another, haven’t we? And we are so quick to judge ourselves by our own standard rather than by God’s, coming to the conclusion that we’re doing okay. But that’s not God’s opinion of you or me. He’s not deluded that maybe we can be good enough to earn our own way to Heaven, manufacturing our own righteousness. He knows every bit of the bad stuff that I am and that I’ve done—the things that I’m ashamed of, and the sins I don’t even recognize! And yet, He lovingly provided what I could never do for myself. Thank you, Jesus! Having trouble accepting that gift? Friend, God can help you see things His way, if you will humbly ask Him. If you’ve never accepted Christ’s payment on your behalf, I am praying that you would make that decision and begin this incredible journey of change. And if you’ve already accepted Christ’s gift and begun the journey, remember that we can fully trust God’s goodness as we undergo His transformation process. Go ahead—take your hands off the wheel! Let Him take control of your life and have His way in you, relying on His promise to you, His beloved child: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Thank you for allowing me to share my tradition—and a piece of my heart—with you! Wishing you and your family peace and joy this holiday season–