Butterfly Dust: Reflecting Christ

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.
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Letting Christ be Known
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Effects of the Dust
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Leave a Little Dust Behind
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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.
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She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20
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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.
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She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26
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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.
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The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Proverbs 31:11
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No matter where she went, people couldn't help but sing her praises, specifically her family.
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Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Proverbs 31:29
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Her actions left a little dust behind, blessing each person. Everyone in town knew the source of her dust: her relationship with God.
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Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
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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.
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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.