The Cost to the Butterfly

Do you know what imaginal discs are?

In 1 Corinthians 15: 35-58 the apostle Paul seeks to explain the difference between our earthly bodies and our post-resurrection being.  He uses planted seed as an illustration.  What goes into the ground is not the same as that which later emerges.  I wonder what he might have written to those who have some idea of cell development and DNA.  Obviously, Paul drew on material with which they were familiar.  

Recently I found myself pondering on the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.  The cartoon is used under a licence and should not be copied please.

During its life cycle as a caterpillar, it will gorge itself on leaves with a voracious appetite.  It has only that one driving force until the time comes when it starts to weave and becomes a chrysalis.  Then something truly amazing takes place. The body of the caterpillar dissolves into a kind of soup.  But this contains ‘imaginal discs’ which are the basis from which other cells develop producing eyes, wings and everything else a butterfly will need.  Then one day, out of the soup of what was something new and splendid emerges.

The cost to the butterfly is virtually losing its old identity and structure.  While this might be a helpful illustration of life beyond this life when we shall be changed and made like our Saviour, it also speaks to me about how we should be progressing in our Christian lives here and now.  I began 2016 reflecting on God’s call to Abram (see Genesis 12: 1-3).  This is Abram’s first encounter with God and is the foundation for all that will follow in his life, in the lives of the People of Israel, and all that follows to us today.  It starts with the call to leave. God has things to show him and wonderful promises to give him but the first step is leaving where he is.

During the years in which I have sought to walk with God he has periodically called me to let go of what I treasured and to leave the comfort of the place to which he has brought me.  It has never been easy.  But each time, leaving what was created the opportunity to experience what could be.

I wonder how much is missed of the blessing of God because of Christians attachment to what is and the refusal to let go.  I wonder how much blessing has been missed in churches that cling to the comfort of the past. Perhaps if a caterpillar knew that he would basically have to digest itself and dissolve it might not be too keen to start weaving that cocoon.  Change is usually very costly in one way or another, but if God is calling you to let things go, take care that you do not miss what could be in the future. What might be the imaginal discs that help build the future?

Do you have friends who are not Christians?

Do you wish your friends shared your faith or that you could share your faith with them?  Most UK Christians value their faith but talking about it is a different matter.  If this is true of you, please do not miss the opportunity to join me in a free online seminar on Friendship Evangelism.  It is being held at 7.30pm next Wednesday 27^th January and repeated on Monday 8^th at 7.30pm.  It lasts just 45 minutes.  You can simply watch and listen or ask questions.

To ‘attend’ the seminar from the comfort of your home you need to book in advance.  It will cost you nothing.  You will be asked for your name and email address but you are not joining anything and will not suddenly find yourself receiving unsolicited emails.  You provide this information so that you can receive the special link.  Use that link a few minutes before the scheduled start of the seminar and follow the instructions on screen.  This might involve downloading a ‘launch programme’.  This is perfectly safe.

People who previously attended this particular online seminar said that it was very interesting and helpful.  People who have learned to share their faith always talk about how it has also helped their faith to grow.  I would love to help you to confidently share your faith in a way that would not be embarrassing.  So please sign up to attend today (spaces are limited) and spread the word to other Christian friends who might find this helpful.

Click this link to register your place for the seminar

For Praise and Prayer

I have appreciated prayers for the three occasions this month when I have attended funerals.  The latest one was this week for an aged aunt in Hastings. Our thoughts and prayers are for those who heel the loss most keenly.

Deep appreciation was expressed by the 30 Salvation Army Cadets (officers in training) at the William Booth College on Wednesday where I had taken part in the Safeguarding training.  I teach three sessions exploring how and why sexual abuse can happen in a Christian context, and how to support those who have been victims.  Understanding enables us to have safer churches. I continue to be impressed with the high standards of the Salvation Army.  I also give thanks that one larger denomination has increased its safeguarding team from one part-time person to seven full time people.  Bad practise in the past leaves much still to be done in this area of pastoral acre and action.

I have been having some useful pastoral conversations with some of the men at HMP Gartree where I work most Tuesday afternoons.  I shall be taking the Sunday Service for them on 31^st January.

Please keep Yelvertoft Congregational Church in your prayers as we process through various stages that will enable me to retire from that aspect of ministry in the very near future.

Give thanks that important work I have been doing for Action for Christ (Rural Evangelism) has been successful.  Pray for the trustees as we seek God’s guidance for the future of this organisation that has an exciting history but now faces changes.

Please pray that many will avail themselves of the opportunity to attend the online seminar on Friendship Evangelism next Wednesday.  Imagine what might happen if only more had the understanding, confidence and courage to share their faith with others. I would love to tell you that we had so many requests to attend this seminar that we have to repeat it through the year.

Please pray for my wider work within the Congregational Federation.  Currently I chair the Inter-Church Board and am a member of the Pastoral Care Board.  I am also part of the Mission Support Group for the East Midlands Area.  I need to review how much time I can commit to these roles and value prayers for wisdom so that I focus on what God wants me to do.  Sometimes it is better to do less and do it better!  There are some encouraging opportunities to help the churches in the East Midlands Area.

Please give thanks for the faithfulness of friends who though their prayers and practical support keep us serving the Lord.

Thank you for your friendship and prayers.

Barry