A chrysalis can teach us about spiritual growth

Published: Wed, 07/30/14

Changed Johnny Hunt

Contact:

josh@joshhhunt.com

575.650.4564

This book would make a great rescource for a church-wide campaign. A church wide campaign includes three elements:
  • Sermons. Adapt Johnny Hunt's sermons or write your own.
  • Small group study. I will write a Good Question study for your use in groups. (Email me if you have a starting date.)
  • Book. Invite your people to read Johnny's book at home for maximum learning.

Pulpit-press has one other book available for you to use as a church wide campaign: After Life by Brandon Park. Other books in the works include:

  • Wise Up! (A study of Proverbs) by Steve Reynolds (Summer release)
  • Rooted by Brad Whitt (Summer release)
  • Shattered Dreams (A study of Ruth) by Patrick Mead (Fall release)

A chrysalis can teach us about spiritual growth

The reminds us we must die to self.

Scientists describe the process when a caterpillar turns into a chrysalis as a death of sorts. Most of the inside of the caterpillar turns into a slimy goo and is reformed into a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar must die in order to ever take wings.

Bernd Heinrich is an expert on butterflies. He describes the process this way, “The radical change that occurs does indeed arguably involve death.” And, “The adult forms of these insects are actually new organisms."

In a similar way, Jesus promised an abundant life. (John 10:10) But, Jesus taught we must die to self to find that life. We must lose our life to gain it. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:23–24 (NKJV)

The butterfly reminds us we were made to fly

The goal of Christian living is not just so that you would avoid Hell and find Heaven. It is to bring a little Heaven to Earth. Jesus taught us to pray that Earth would be a little more like heaven, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)

Not many butterfly eggs make it to the final stage of being mature butterflies. Not many believers make it to the final stage of being mature disciples.