In the days of my youth while growing up on the farm I can remember doing one of two activities on summer nights, playing softball in the backyard and catching those tiny insects we called lightning bugs.   Once those bugs rested in the palm of my hand, I was fascinated by the blinking yellow glow permeating the darkness.  Lightning bugs, or fireflies, were scattered all over the yard, and they provided endless entertainment for us.

I recently read an article about the disappearance of these little creatures from our environment.  It isn't because of the countless jars of fireflies that were brought into the house to provide "light" in a child's room and left in the jar too long.  The two factors resulting in their disappearance are the destruction of their habitat for development and light pollution. 

As the human population increases, the need to build additional housing and commercial developments results in destroying their habitats in forests and fields.  We are also diligent in our effort to control the mosquito population by eliminating standing water and increasing the use of pesticides, not realizing that the side effect is the destruction of their natural prey and also the firefly larvae, which also is found in the standing water.      

Streetlights, illuminated store signs, car lights and house lights which brighten the night sky negatively impact the communication capability of fireflies.   Male and female fireflies flash their abdomen lights to communicate with each other as they attract mates, defend their territory, and warn off predators.  As our nights become increasingly lighter, their ability to communicate with each other becomes harder because the artificial light dims the signal!

The struggles the fireflies are facing are parallel to the Christian churches' struggle with the trappings of this world.  Whereas at one time the church had a voice that was recognized as it made a stand on moral and ethical issues, the world no longer looks to the church for guidance and direction.   The voice is being destructed by the noise of the world.  The light it once radiated has been dimmed by a world attitude that Christian talk, ethics, or signs can no longer enter in a work place without repercussions.  Examples are policies businesses have prohibiting employees from wearing cross jewelry, the elimination of the Ten Commandments or manger scenes being displayed in government buildings, and the recent uprising over Miss California's answer over same sex marriage in the Miss USA pageant.

As God works through each of us, His church will continue to thrive.  However if one chooses to dim the light of Christ and instead radiate an artificial light in order to appear to "fit in" with society, not only will their faith life suffer, but also the entire church body as a whole will be impacted.   

Since creation, fireflies have radiated a shimmer of light in the night sky and the love of Christ has shined in the hearts of the members of His invisible church.  The extinction of fireflies would be a loss to future generations.  The loss of one individual to the distractions of the world would be an even greater loss of eternal significance.   I pray that you are bold as you radiate the light of Christ's love at work within you.

Enjoying the ride,