Be Transformed
A comparison between mature gray angelfish and a juvenile gray angelfish (inset).
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV, emphasis added)
Transformation is a fascinating process. Our culture is consumed with the concept of change or metamorphosis; the process of moving from one state to another. As we view Creation, we can see numerous species that undergo dramatic transformations throughout their life cycle. In the marine environment, it is quite common in reef fish that the juvenile version of the species looks significantly different than the fully mature adult. One of these dramatic shifts in appearance can be seen in this guy, the gray angelfish, a type of reef fish commonly seen along the coastlines of South Florida. As juveniles, gray angelfish are black with bright yellow stripes. As they mature, they grow larger in size and transition to a completely different color pattern. Adults are fully grey covered in dark grey spots with accents of color. Close observation reveals that the underside of their pectoral fins is a vibrant yellow while the fish’s dorsal and anal fins are also edged with an electric blue. My personal hypothesis as for the reason behind this significant change in appearance is that God designed it for their protection. When mature, male angelfish are territorial and can aggressively defend their mate from other males. Perhaps a benefit for the juvenile to appear so dramatically different in appearance than the adult is that mature angelfish fail to recognize it as competition and a potential threat.
As a juvenile gray angelfish transforms into a mature adult, it is communicating its transition from immaturity to maturity. Its new color pattern announces to the marine environment that it is ready to accept the roles and responsibilities of an adult. Through its size and color pattern the gray angelfish advertises that it is now equipped to protect itself from the aggressive attacks of competing fish.
The life cycle of the gray angelfish provides a wealth of parallels for the follower of Jesus Christ. Just as a gray angelfish transitions from a juvenile to an adult, Christians are also being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Similarly, this process is a transition from the state of spiritual immaturity to one of spiritual maturity that yields the same benefits. While there are greater roles and responsibilities associated with spiritual maturity, spiritually mature believers are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and the attacks of the enemy. The difference, however, between the gray angelfish and a Christian is that for the Christian, spiritual growth is a choice. While development is involuntary for the gray angelfish, for the follower of Jesus Christ, we must make a conscious effort and decision to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This process begins with the study of God’s Word and the conscious effort to train our minds to think biblically, processing our circumstances, culture and relationships from a biblical perspective. Unfortunately, many Christians choose to persist in immaturity and continue to struggle with repetitive sins and destructive thought patterns rather than allowing God to set them free by the power of the Truth and His Holy Spirit. This is not just a current problem for today’s church. Letters included in the New Testament written to followers of Jesus Christ also addressed this issue:
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)
“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV)
It is easy for a Christian’s relationship with God to persist in immaturity by singularly focusing on what God can do for us. The immature believer only focuses on God’s blessings and benefits rather than understanding that a relationship with Jesus Christ includes total surrender to God’s will. Growing into spiritual maturity requires us to submit to His transformative process allowing us to be used for His glory that we might testify: “This is what I once was but look at who He has made me to be.” There is no room for personal preference or personality in God’s transformative workshop. We are all being made into the image of Jesus Christ. Choosing to submit to this process is what it really means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.