Fireflies, or “lightning bugsâ€�, are incredibly interesting little creations of God. These tiny bugs would go unnoticed were it not for the fact that they light up. And, because they do, this seemingly insignificant insect becomes something we marvel at once the summer sun sets. I’ve heard many interesting parallels between Christians and fireflies. Like this glowing insect, God has created us to shine for him â€" we were designed to be glorious, luminous beings. Lighting up our dark world so that others may see it and glorify our Father in heaven. But there is a side to the firefly that is not so shiny and is seldom spoken about. Just as the firefly uses its beauty to light up a night sky, it can also use it in a deadly and destructive manner.

Researchers found that certain females will lure in males with their enchanting light and once they’ve attained their mate, will then proceed to devour him. In the dark, and caught off guard, that male firefly, thinking he was in good company, is destroyed by another claiming to have “light�! It may seem that the parallel between fireflies and Christian can be fearfully accurate.

Sadly, too many times, Christians are responsible for destroying and tearing other Christians down with their words and actions. One moment we boast a beautiful Godly glow, and in the next we have tainted our light with the ugliness of sin. God gave us free will to use our gifts and talents for His glory, but we must be careful that our freedom isn’t being used to cause others to fall. If we bear the Christian name then the banner we carry should be that of humility and love â€" it is God’s command! (Galatians 5:13-15) When we grumble and complain about our situations God is not honored. When we fuss and quarrel with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, we are not only destroying our earthly relationships, but our Heavenly one as well. Let your light shine in the darkness of this world but be the right kind of firefly!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, how awesome you are to allow even the smallest of your creation to be a lesson for me. Let my light bring honor to you in all the things I say and do. Let my light serve as a beacon of life, and not destruction, that will bring others to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Galatians 5:15 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.