While preaching through the New Testament book of Romans a few years ago, I came to chapter twelve, verse two, and quickly realized the significance of the word μεταμορφουσθε (metamorphousthe). Britannica defines it as the continuous, remarkable “change of form or structure in an individual after hatching or birth.” The word is metamorphosis and it is translated into English as transformed.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).
There are many ways to discuss discipleship, what it takes to grow spiritually, and how to become the people we are meant to be, but it seems to me that metamorphosis may provide the best analogy because the changes are drastic and visible, as are many of the changes that take place when we come to Christ. The end result of the process is beauty, which is also an apt description of what the Lord brings into our lives.
From the introduction to Butterfly Believers.
Paul Linzey 