Did you know that many creatures, not just birds, molt (or
moult)? Creatures molt routinely to cast off old feathers, old hairs, old skin,
and sometimes their entire exoskeletons.
 |
| Locust by aophotos on Morguefile.com |
On a recent family trip to the Maryland Science Center, we saw a newly molted blue crab and
a Savannah Monitor lizard that was in the midst of molting. The lizard spent a
lot of time rubbing his chin and head on the rocks in his habitat. Unlike
snakes and crabs, the Savannah Monitor didn’t just slither out of his old skin
and leave it behind practically intact. His skin peeled off just like ours does
when we get sunburned—in annoying and itchy bits and pieces.
Oddly fascinated, I watched the
lizard for quite a while. As I stood there, I sensed God was showing me this
for a reason. Scriptures started to come to my mind:
When we become Christians, spiritually we become new
creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) But as we mature in our faith, God asks us to
let go of those old, sinful things that hinder our growth as Christians. (Hebrews
12:1)
Just like the molting of a healthy Savannah Monitor, our
ongoing spiritual development takes time, patience, and effort. Studying God’s
Word, talking with Him, and getting together with other Christians can help us
shed bad habits, discard misguided thinking, and separate ourselves from
ungodly influences.
Can you identify areas where you
continue to struggle to shed the old self? Do you have a Christian friend you can turn to for
accountability? Let's encourage one another to molt for Jesus!
Copyright © 2013 Pamela D. Williams
