And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Colossians 3:10 KJV) 

I use spiritual metamorphosis to describe the believer’s transformation into the image of Christ, similar to the outward changes in the life cycle of a butterfly. Colossians 3:10 commands us to put on the new man transformed through knowledge to become like Christ.

Metamorphosis describes the outward changes in form, activity, and behavior reflecting different stages of the same insect(or amphibian). The egg, larva, pupa, and butterfly look different outwardly, but they are the same insect in various stages of its life cycle. Similarly, believers go through outward changes in character. 1 John 2:12-14) gives us a rough guide to these different outward stages of a Christian’s maturity level: little children( babes in Christ), young men( spiritual adolescents), and fathers( mature ones).

The Spirit is calling the Church to maturity; this heavenly calling is no longer a luxury, but a spiritual urgency, given  the perilous times and the imminence of the return of Christ. Sadly, the Church is packed with spiritual babes and adolescents, and lacking in fathers or mature believers. Please guard against this error: spiritual maturity is not the same as ministry position, longevity in the faith, familiarity with Christianity, or excessive spiritual activities. It is Christlike in form—stage of spiritual metamorphosis- expressed as our outward manner of life or character. 

In summary, spiritual maturity is both a commandment and an expectation from the lord. Keep advancing in the cycle of spiritual maturity: babes to adolescents to mature.  

Read more: Who Is A Babe In Christ?

What is spiritual metamorphosis? What are the three stages of maturity from 1 John 2:12-14?

Apply the Word

The Church fulfills its purpose in the mature state. Colossians 3:10 also gives us the trigger for spiritual maturity: knowledge. This devotional summarizes our ministry calling. If I can trigger spiritual metamorphosis in your life by revealing Christ in His Word, then I have succeeded. Brethren, the time is now. The Spirit is calling. Come up hitherto Christlikeness.

Ask the Spirit to give you the desire and strength to grow to maturity.

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