The other evening while sitting on our small lakeside patio and reveling in the quiet and calming view, I was delighted to realize I was in the presence of a number of fireflies … their beacons beaming brightly.

What an amazing insect!  Amazing, but actually quite common.  At least in more rural, lower-light areas.

Fireflies – also referred to as lightening bugs – are beetles that use bioluminescence during twilight to attract mates or, in some species, prey.  There are actually over 2,000 firefly species worldwide, existing on every continent except Antarctica.  They are a diverse group of insects that inhabit various habitats.  Their preferred habitats are temperate and tropical fields, forests and wetlands.  Though fireflies are also found in more arid areas, most species thrive in warm, humid conditions ideal for their visibility.

The glowing beetles …

“… have a short lifespan characterized by distinct life stages. Adult fireflies typically live only long enough to mate and lay eggs, often not requiring food during this phase. While adults live a mere two months, their larvae can exist for about one to two years before reaching adulthood. During the larval stage, which is where they spend approximately 95% of their lives, fireflies predominantly dwell underground, maturing through winter and spring.”

“Fireflies exhibit varied diets based on their life stages; larvae predominantly prey on soft-bodied insects like snails, slugs, and worms, while adults tend to consume nectar and pollen, with some species skipping feeding altogether.” (https://blog.entomologist.net)

In the United States, adult fireflies will emerge from the ground in the spring and summer, depending on the species of bug and the location of the state (the southern states seeing them earlier).  Of course, the best time to see their bioluminescent flashes are at dusk and dawn, when they are trying to display their charm to potential mates.

I’ve never thought of it quite this way before, but we are the fireflies – the lightening bugs – of the world. 

About himself, Jesus stated, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

About us, he said, “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Why do we have spiritual light?  Because of Jesus, our Savior!  We are loved, forgiven, saved and resided in by Jesus, the Light of the World. 

What do we do with the light of Jesus living in us?  We let it shine! 

There are actually some interesting parallels between physical lightening bugs and spiritual ones.  (You and me!)

• Both beam lights that stand out in the dark. Fireflies in literal darkness; Christians in spiritual darkness.  The deeper the darkness, the brighter their light appears and the more obvious it is.
  
  
• Both fireflies and believers are created by God to shine.
  
  
• Both only have a brief time to shine.
  
  
• With both, their lights attract others – fireflies to physical results; Christians to spiritual ones.
  
  
• Sadly, the numbers of both the literal and the spiritual “fireflies” are diminishing due to environmental (and spiritual) factors.
  
  
• As my children discovered many years ago while we were visiting the Midwest, lightning bugs put into jars end up dying – their lights being extinguished. Neither physical nor spiritual fireflies are intended by God to be put in or under containers. Rather, it is God’s intention they shine freely and brightly.

Watching a firefly display at dusk is mesmerizing.  Lights of faith in spiritual darkness also catch attention, and may be the first step in turning someone’s attention to the Savior. 

So, brothers and sisters in the Lord, let your lights shine! 

More than that.  Beam brightly and boldly!