 Did you know that butterflies shed scales when they fly? It’s true: over their lifetime, the friction of flapping and flying naturally rubs their scales, causing them to shed a little at a time. As a result, older butterflies appear more faded, as they have spent their life cycle dropping a little “dust” wherever they go.
Perhaps we, as believers, could draw inspiration from our colorful flyers. What if we left a little bit of our Saviour behind every interaction we had with others? How different would our world be if we made that conscious choice? Such an impact can only be done with attention and intention. Letting Christ be Known Butterflies spend their life ensuring that there will be another generation by collecting nectar and laying eggs. They have no idea the impact they are making, but are merely faithful in their calling. Every flower they touch helps pollinate, ensuring that the buds will bloom and provide for future butterflies. Everywhere they go, they leave a little of themselves behind, never realizing the difference their actions create. Christ calls us to do the same. We help pave the way for the next generation to know Christ by the way we live and the things we invest in. Individuals with this mindset weigh their decisions against eternity. They understand that their lives were not given to them to spend on themselves but invested in others. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:13-14 They see those around them as someone to love, made in the image of God, in need of a Saviour, and tell them the Good News. A follower of Christ who desires to make Christ known also recognizes that their lifestyle has a tremendous influence on those around them. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 Just as a butterfly leaves a little of itself behind wherever it goes, we have the same ability, and, like the butterfly, we have a limited number of days to do so. The Effects of the Dust A person filled with the Spirit drops a little bit of kindness, a splash of joy, a dash of peace, and a touch of patience into each interaction with someone. Their presence is missed when they leave, but it also motivates others to pursue Christ more. Their words are marked with gentleness and encouragement. Such people notice when someone is hurting or upset and ask why. They bless someone with their conversation, leaving that person feeling better. Those who follow Christ are aware of others' needs and seek to help, whether through their own means or by pointing out those who can assist. They are warm, empathetic people who make a person feel seen, loved, and heard. Their hearts radiate Jesus. Everyone who engages with a follower of Jesus should walk away sensing their Saviour. They should see the difference He makes in their lives, leaving them curious to know their Redeemer better. That is what happens when we follow the butterfly's example and leave a little dust behind. Leave a Little Dust Behind The Proverbs 31 Woman is a beautiful picture of someone whose life leaves a little butterfly dust wherever she goes. Her community knew her as a woman who cared for the poor and needy. She actively sought to help in any way she could. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20 Her words were filled with the fruit of the Spirit and reflected the heart of her Lord. Everyone in her village benefited from her words of wisdom and kindness. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26 The Proverbs 31 woman was trustworthy and reliable. Her husband’s heart never worried about her or what she said about him, because her interactions with him and others proved she was a safe place for him. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Proverbs 31:11 No matter where she went, people couldn't help but sing her praises, specifically her family. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Proverbs 31:29 Her actions left a little dust behind, blessing each person. Everyone in town knew the source of her dust: her relationship with God. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 Her walk with God was her number one priority and pursuit. He is the One whose love changes us into His image and enables us to leave a little bit of dust on each person we touch. When we walk in our own strength, we will leave nothing behind but hurt, pain, and wounds. It is only when we surrender our lives to Christ, pursue Him with all that is in us, that we transform from an ugly caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly capable of leaving a little dust behind. Let’s be people who leave behind a trail of dust that points others to Christ, the One who loves them with an everlasting love.  Most likely, you have been to a doctor's office or a DMV and had to take a vision test. If your vision was not 20/20, then you were probably told that you needed glasses. Although 20/20 vision is important physically, our spiritual vision is far more important, because if it is not 20/20 our lives will not be productive. Proverbs 29:18 says. “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” If we do not have vision, our days will seem purposeless and we will not be honoring the Lord with the time and talents that He has given us. But when we do what God has for us and are obedient to His Word, we will be happy.
Since we all have dreams and goals for our lives, we must ask ourselves a few questions. 1) Are the things we want to accomplish in life based on Scripture and glorifying to God? 2) Are our goals selfish or a blessing to others? 3) Are our goals in God's will for our life? 4) How do we achieve these goals? Once we know the answers to these questions, we must then keep ourselves in check, and if we are not attaining our goals, then we must ask a fifth question, which is one I was recently challenged within a particular area. “What is causing you to lose your vision to achieve your goals?” As I prayed about this question, the Lord showed me that I was distracted, stressed and feeling inadequate and unworthy and not good enough due to some past and present situations.  This world seems to become more demanding of our time and efforts more and more with each passing day. The cost of living is always increasing, which means that we have to work longer; this takes time away from our rest. We are created to work, God created Adam and then gave him a job, to name the animals and work the fields. God also tells us the importance of rest, but resting on the seventh day of creation. God is never tired or worn out; therefore He doesn't rest out of necessity, but out of a demonstration of how important it is for us to rest. In order to rest we must first understand what it means to rest. We must also recognize what robs us of the rest that we need in our lives and lastly what fruits are born in the midst of rest.
What Rest Means The meaning of the word rest is not the absence of work, but the " settled delight" in God. This means that we can work and still be resting. When we do things that fill our souls, move us closer to the Lord and don't take a lot of effort, we are resting. An example of this for me would be writing. I am applying effort by typing, but my mind is at ease as I focus on the Lord to write the lesson He has given me. I often listen to calming Christian music in the background, this isn't labor but relaxes my mind and allows me to focus on the Lord. I have some friends who enjoy sewing or gardening. What Steals our Rest Now that we know what rest is, we need to learn what steals our rest. Many things can be a factor, but it is mainly anything that takes our eyes off of the Lord. Some people feel like they are never doing enough, having a full schedule but the supply and demand is out of obligation or guilt rather than love for the Lord. This is a false belief, God doesn't care how much we do, but the motive is why we are doing what we do. Another thing that can steal our rest is outside influences. We can be so caught up in the distraction of social media, TV, or even games that the attempt of "cutting off our mind" leads to endless scrolling which is not honoring to the Lord, defeating the purpose of true rest. In order to recharge we must be plugged into the source (Jesus) that fills us and gives us the ability to keep going. When we distract our minds or allow things to steal our rest; we are not giving our minds enough quiet time to allow the Lord to do His work for us. The Results of Intimacy with the Lord When we deepen our intimacy with the Lord by focusing our minds on Him, we are able to hear a "still small voice" more so. We learn who He is and draw closer to Him. This allows us to build a deeper relationship with the Father that He desires with us. By spending time with the one who knows all we are strengthened so that we can serve others affectionately. When we are full of the Lord's presence we can fill others up, but if we are not full ourselves; how can we give what we don't have to others? When we take time for the Lord and rest in Him, we are more present in our family and friends. We are able to see His hands at work in our lives. This should encourage us in return to spend more time with Him, deepening our desire to rest in the Lord. Putting it into Practice I encourage you to take time out of your day and rest in the Lord, focus your mindset on Him. Find a hobby and dedicate it to Him, worshipping Him with our actions. Spend time with the provider in prayer and get to know Him by reading His Bible. All three of these are how we can glorify God in a time of rest. In return He will strengthen us and draw closer to us in our daily walk with Him. |
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