“Metamorphosis”
Luna moths are spectacular. Like North America’s other giant silk moths, they’re huge. Their wingspans can reach seven inches. With lime green wings, fuzzy white bodies, and dramatically colored eyespots, they definitely stand out. They’re also night filers-hence the name luna-and their association with the moon. These delicate creatures are fairly common. But consider yourself lucky if you see one. They don’t last very long. The winged stage of a luna moth’s life lasts only about seven days. While butterflies have moth parts, lunas-are no longer equipped with mouths or stomachs. They cannot eat or drink. So what does a luna moth do during those seven days? It searches desperately for a mate. After mating and egg laying, all the chapters of a luna moth’s short story have been written. A beautiful short life.
Entomologists describe the stages of moths and butterflies as metamorphosis-a Greek word that means “change of form.” Lunas morph from eggs to larvae to pupae to green –winged beauties.
Followers of Jesus get to experience metamorphosis as well. But our final stage lasts longer than seven days. On the pages of the New Testament we meet a pair of Greek words, each of which describes an aspect of shape or form: schema and morphe. Schema, from which wee get the word “schematic,” represents the outer appearance. Your schema changes every day. Your fingernails and your hair are just a little bit longer than yesterday and it’s likely you’re not wearing the same clothes. Our culture is, unfortunately obsessed with schematic impression management. Looking cool and dressing cool are important in the schematic world.
If the secular approach to life concerns one’s outward form-the spiritual journey is all about morphe. Your morphe represents your true identity and your inner self. Your schema may be in contual flux, but there’s something about you that is unmistakably the Real You—something that an old acquaintance will recognize you when you bump into each other on the street after not seeing you for decades.
Schematic change is inevitable and often superficial. But the transformation of one’s morphe-metamorphosis-is a big deal. It is God’s own work within our hearts. Schema and morphe come face to face in a famous Bible verse. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
You can spend the last few weeks of summer trying to look better, conforming to the crowd, aiming to please the people you presume are always watching and judging. Or you can opt for metamorphosis and let God have at you-allowing the Spirit to renew your mind through ongoing engagement with the Bible’s unique presentation of the reality of Jesus..
Luna moths get to revel in the joy of transformation for just one week. On the other hand, get to know God and enjoy him forever.
Faithfully, Ron Naylor, Chaplain