I have been working as a psychologist for the past 20 years. In university classes, I have taught thousands of students about human behavior. In private practice, I have coached hundreds of business leaders to improve their skills at work. But I have come to one conclusion:
I cannot change behavior.
Not the kind of change that melts an ugly caterpillar down to nothing and turns it into one of the most beautiful, elegant creatures on the planet.
It takes God to transform from the inside out.
The Greek word for “transforms” is metamorphosis. It is used to describe the amazing process of transforming a caterpillar into a butterfly. Every summer, a friend supplies me with a few caterpillars and a couple of sturdy sticks (for them to attach to) in a large glass jar. I never get tired of observing the transformation process up close!
Some take only a week, while others take months to emerge from their cocoons – it’s all in His timing. But I must say the ones that take the longest to “process” have the most stunning designs and colors when they finally emerge.
This is a beautiful picture of our spiritual progress in Him. While you are an active participant, don’t try to force any transformation in your own strength. These are things that only He can do in your life. Just be patient!
Remember His ultimate goal is to produce people that look like Him. And no matter where you are in your walk with God, there is always room to grow. Paul said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on…” (Philippians 3:12).
All He asks is for you to be willing to be willing. He will do the work. You don’t produce the results – He does. It’s more about yielding; less about striving.
Let Him remake and remold what has not developed properly. “He will see to it that everything is finished correctly”( 1 Chronicles 28:20 TLB). Steadily, and without conscious effort, you will be transformed.