By: Obed Pineda
If you enjoy camping in the woods on a summer evening, then you have undoubtedly been mesmerized before by the intermittent flashes of fireflies filling the night. These nocturnal beetles are able to produce their famed glow through a process called bioluminescence. Lightning bugs have special cells under their abdomen that contain a substance named luciferin. When this chemical is combined with oxygen it generates the light that fireflies are known for. Unlike the incandescent bulb that becomes very hot due to the energy it takes to produce its light, the firefly is very energy efficient because it produces a “cold light” that prevents the insect from being incinerated. Furthermore, a lit candle and the firefly’s glow give off the same brightness, yet the candle generates 80,000 times more heat than the firefly does. Perhaps what makes this astonishing ability even more fascinating is that these insects use their bioluminescent light as a form of communication. Scientists have discovered that fireflies use their bioluminescence to either attract mates or prey, to warn other fireflies of predators nearby, or as a defense mechanism to dissuade predators from eating them. Since this nocturnal insect is bioluminescent, birds and other predators are made aware of the unappetizing taste their prey will have due to their natural light producing ability. Indeed, much can be learned from these tiny, fascinating creatures and their signature glow. Observing how the firefly knows to use its light efficiently and wisely to communicate brings to mind Paul’s affirmation that “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Understanding that God “did not leave Himself without witness” (Acts 14:17) in the form of His creation, it would be unwise to pass over object lessons that may be obtained from the firefly. One can be greatly edified by this nocturnal insect since Holy Writ declares that we, as the church of Christ, are “now…light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). It is imperative to comprehend that the inspired Paul is using the figure of walking to speak about a person’s conduct and lifestyle. The apostle Peter used this idea in a similar way as he exhorted, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1st Peter 2:11-12). Irrefutably, Peter’s mind had never forgotten the Master’s revelation “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Thus, to walk as children of light equates to living a godly life that cannot be denied by all who watch us. Although an insect, a firefly distinguishes itself from the rest of the insects by the light its body is able to generate in the dark. This is the same lesson the apostles Paul and Peter are imparting through their inspired writings. It is a fact that we are still human beings who form a part of a society where we live. However, this does not justify an individual who is a participant of sinful actions because he or she feels the need to “fit in” their community. Being identified by God as “the light of the world” and instructed to “walk as children of light” immediately illuminates the fact that conducting ourselves in a holy way should make us stand out from the rest of the crowd (cf. Philippians 2:14-16). Even though all of mankind was made in the image and likeness of God (cf. Genesis 1:26-27), His children are identified by living a life of righteousness and holiness (cf. Ephesians 4:20-24). It is fantastic to note that this godly manner of life will not only communicate to the world that we “are not of the world” (John 17:16), but it will also attract the attention of all of those observing us. The Lord proclaimed “and I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32). Our Savior uttered these words as He prepared to secure humanity’s salvation at Calvary. It is through His Gospel call of salvation that He draws all peoples to Him, but it is important to remember that we as His body (that His church) reflect this light to the world (cf. Colossians 1:24-29). Holy Writ presents the church at Thessalonica as an example of being a beacon that attracted many to the Lord by their godly example. Paul says about the Thessalonians, “you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1st Thessalonians 1:6-9). It is amazing to read the apostle’s words of praise on behalf of the Thessalonians considering that he did not spend as much time with them as he had with the Corinthians (cf. Acts 18:11) or the Ephesians (cf. Acts 20:18-21, 31),due to persecution (cf. Acts 17:1-10). Yet, the time that the apostle had been able to spend with them was sufficient to establish them as an example to emulate for the saints at Corinth, and everywhere in the world (cf. 2nd Corinthians 8:1-7). Nevertheless, like the lightning bug, a Christian must also use his light to warn other Christians of lurking predators seeking to devour us (cf. Romans 16:17-18, 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-15). A godly person will learn to use his or her light as a deterrent to those who seek to bring harm to the children of light. Like the bioluminescence of the firefly does not burn the hand of those who hold it in their hand, Christians must also learn how to “bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). It is no secret that it is human instinct is to react defensively against those who seek to harm a person. However, it is a godly reaction to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). Being in control of one’s own spirit, allows the righteous the opportunity to combine his breath (i.e. speech) with his spiritual luciferin (i.e. the Word of God) to generate the holy Light that is in us (cf. Psalm 119:9-16). It is undeniable that much can be learned from these incredible, bioluminescent beetles that thrill us with their glow at night. Seeing that we, too, live in an obsidian world, may we learn to attract, defend, and warn efficiently with the spiritual light inside us.