Merriam Webster defines status quo as follows: “Status quo is a Latin phrase that literally translates to “the state in which.” In modern usage, it refers to the existing state of affairs or the current way things are. People who “maintain the status quo” are usually trying to keep the present situation unchanged, which can be viewed as either maintaining stability or resisting necessary progress.”

But God expects that we will walk intentionally with Him, and in doing so we will be changed to be more like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ [for those who have an abiding relationship with God through Jesus].

2 Corinthians 5:17 states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

We have been raising butterflies. They are a wonderful picture of transformation. The caterpillar’s original state is gone – passed away. It goes through a complete change and wiggles its way into its next stage of life – the chrysalis. We watched it flop around in this stage for a few days, until it fought its way out as a beautiful painted butterfly!

The old was gone and the new had come!

There were some struggles as the caterpillar formed into the chrysalis and then broke through that “skin” to come out as a butterfly. It is beautiful to watch how wonderfully God created His creatures.

We are each created by God.

We are each created by God to turn to Jesus so that we can turn from our sinful ways.

We are each created by God to put on the new lifestyle He works in us so that we become like Jesus.

All of this requires that we don’t settle for the status quo. We must be intentional as we pursue Christ and His lifestyle.

Jesus shows us how to have an abiding and intentional relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Jesus shows us how to intentionally abide in this new relationship when we experience suffering and challenges. 

Jesus shows us how this new relationship provides hope. It is hope based in His work on the cross. When Jesus rose from the grave He secured our eternal future with God [for all who love Jesus and intentionally walk with him]. 

This new relationship with God begins the moment we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is not about us. We often mistakenly think that God’s gift of eternal life is all about us. It is about Him being glorified as He transforms us.

God created us. God planned our redemption when we, through Adam, rejected Him. We are incapable of doing anything to bridge the gap between God and us. He had to do all of the planning for our redemption. He had to willingly sacrifice His Son so we could be restored into a relationship with our Him, the living God. 

Therefore, we must be flexible in God’s hands as He transforms us into Christlikeness. The caterpillar had to submit to the changes it had to undergo in order to be turned into a butterfly. That transformation is a miraculous work of God in His creation. Our transformation is a miraculous work of God in us, His creation.

When we admire the beauty of the butterfly, we can be encouraged, because God is making us into something He sees as beautiful. It is not the same beauty the world looks for. God’s beauty is developed as our heart is transformed from the old sinful self to the new creation we are in Christ. God is not done with us. 

The final transformation into our eternal existence will be far superior to anything we can imagine. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

We cannot sit back and be satisfied with the status quo. We must intentionally pursue excellence for God. Some people may view this as perfectionism. However, when we belong to Jesus it is not perfectionism. 

The online dictionary defines perfectionism as follows: “Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by a relentless drive for flawlessness and the setting of exceedingly high, often unrealistic standards.”

God gives us realistic standards. God’s standards look unrealistic until we recognize that God is working in us to create a new life with a new lifestyle. He will create them, by the power and work of His indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in every true follower of Jesus. 

This desire for holiness and intentionality in our relationship with God comes from Him. I’m not compelled to follow Jesus out of fear of punishment, but I pursue Him because of His love that He has placed inside of me. I’m not pursuing perfectionism, but I am pursuing holiness and excellence for my amazing Lord and Savior. 

When God looks at me, He sees me through the blood of Jesus. That is amazing!  I’m in awe of the goodness of God. He no longer sees me as broken, but as whole! 

I have found in the 39 years I have intentionally pursued Jesus that His Spirit has made amazing strides in changing me from my old self to the new person I am in Christ. I marvel at His work. I know without a doubt it has nothing to do with me making it happen. I’m grateful for each day that He continues to do this work in me.

TO BE CONTINUED!!

Let’s talk about intentionally pursuing God!  Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.