Sea Him - Christa Jewett

Sea Him

BE TRANSFORMED

written by Christa Jewett

Our culture is fascinated with the concept of transformation. Artwork, books, movies, and music all celebrate the process of personal growth and change. Rather than being a haphazard coincidence, this fascination finds its roots in both our natural environment and spiritual makeup.

In the natural environment, there are numerous species that undergo physical transformations throughout their life cycle. For example, it is quite common for reef fish to change in appearance dramatically between their juvenile and adult phases. Consider the gray angelfish, a type of fish seen in the reefs of the western Atlantic Ocean. As juveniles, gray angelfish are black with bright yellow stripes while the adults have fully grey bodies covered with dark grey spots. The adults might seem a bit drab in comparison to their juvenile selves, but a careful observer will notice surprising flashes of blue and yellow along their fins. My hypothesis for this progressive change in the appearance of the gray angelfish is that God designed this process for the protection of the fish. When they mature, male angelfish become territorial and are able to aggressively defend their mate from other males. Perhaps the markings of the juvenile are a signal that this fish is not yet territorial or to be considered a potential threat. Through its physical change, the gray angelfish advertises when it is equipped to protect itself from the aggressive attacks of competing fish. This transformation communicates its transition from a state of immaturity to one of maturity. Its new color pattern announces to the local community that it is ready to accept the roles and responsibilities of an adult.

In a spiritual context, the life cycle of reef fish provides a wealth of parallels for the follower of Jesus Christ. Just as an angelfish transitions from a juvenile to an adult, Christians are also being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

Similarly, this process is a transition from 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. In addition, spiritually mature believers have the joy of being set free from the bondage of repetitive sins and destructive thought patterns by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The difference, however, between reef fish and a Christian is that for the Christian, spiritual growth is a choice. While development is involuntary for reef fish, 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. It is then that we can enjoy true freedom in Christ.

Unfortunately, our flesh makes it easy for our relationship with God to persist in immaturity. In this immature state, our focus is on receiving God’s blessings rather than surrendering our lives to God’s will. Growing in spiritual maturity requires us to submit to His transformative process, wherever it takes us. This mindset desires 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. May we all show the eagerness and humility of Mary when she responded wholeheartedly to God’s plan for her by simply stating, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38, NKJV).