Phenotypic Plasticity

The ability organisms have to change in response to their environments is called phenotypic plasticity: in other words, characteristics that are visibly flexible or changeable.

Consider the holly plant: When the deciduous leaves have been eaten by herbivores, the leaves regrow with prickly edges as a defense against predators. A healthy holly tree can grow as high as 82 feet, with upper, out-of-reach leaves that are rounded and smooth, and lower leaves that are oblong and spiky -- all on the same tree.

While we could certainly carry this metaphor in a negative direction, blaming the prodding of our environments for the prickly behaviors we take on as we age, what about the magic of adaptation, of transformation? Are we so wedded to the rounded leaves that we fight the Holy Spirit transformations that visibly -- and sometimes painfully -- mold us into someone new? 

Be wary of the cultural pressures that type us by our age, height, skin color, hair, facial features, family, employment, etc. It is easier for society if we behave as expected, according to our presumed "type" and holding to the rounded leaves even when the Holy Spirit is pressing us to birth something new. But is that God's calling on our lives: to mold to the expectations of our culture?

Remember Romans 12:2 -- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How will you allow your mind to be renewed this week, this month, this year?

Blessings on you as you ponder your own phenotypic plasticity ... or, in a less cumbersome mouthful, those places where the Spirit is working in your life today.

Blessings to you,

Jennie