The new creation we receive in our hearts can be compared to an animal life; the caterpillar. The caterpillar consumes the things of this world just as a lost man does. He lives off what he can find, even if it's other men's testimonies. A caterpillar has false feet; a false hope, nothing to stand on. Then, there comes a time in his life when he cannot eat the things of this world anymore.
He is secluded in a golden shell, known as a cocoon. It is like that for a person when he is under the conviction of God. He can't do the things he used to do or be with his friends because God has him secluded. God has surrounded him and he can't get out.
Finally, the metamorphosis happens, and out of the shell breaks the caterpillar. He is quickened to new life. It takes a struggle, but he cannot deny the new creation. He is wet and wrinkly, needing to be dried out by the sun (son). Eventually he will spread his wings, but only when God sends the wind: for he can't fly without it.
Eventually, a new Christian will spread his wings too, but not without the help of the Holy Spirit. He is changed, never to be a caterpillar again. He can never eat or do the things he used to. Could you imagine a butterfly trying to get back into a cocoon? Impossible!
Now the butterfly probably has a hard time accepting what has happened to him too!
-Connie Owen