Volume 30, No. 26                                                  
 July 3, 2005

Flashes of Inspiration

   Flitting and flashing across the dark summer sky, fireflies have fascinated humans from earliest times.

   The ancient Chinese thought they came from burning grass. In Europe, legend warned that if one flew in the window, someone was going to die. Among the Aztecs, the insects were a powerful symbol —  a spark of knowledge in a dark world of ignorance.

   As it turns out, fireflies aren’t flies at all.  They’re beetles and their “fire”is bioluminescence.  Though other insects produce light, fireflies alone can turn it on and off.  Even the eggs and larvae glow, which is why firefly larvae are also called glow worms.

   In the taillight of a mature firefly, four elements work together to produce that glow:  chemicals called ATP, luciferin and luciferase, and oxygen.  Researchers aren’t sure, but they think fireflies turn their light on and off by controlling the flow of oxygen.

   Regardless, the light of the twinkling insects is unique. Nearly all of its energy is given off as light, whereas in an electric bulb, only 10 percent of the energy is light and 90 percent is given off as heat.  Imagine what would happen if a beetle got as hot as a lightbulb!

   The light serves several purposes, starting when the firefly is first developing.  Larvae use it to warn predators they have defensive chemicals in their bodies. When disturbed, those larvae can increase both the intensity and frequency of their glow.  Similarly, when a full-grown firefly is under stress — such as when it’s caught in a spider's web — its taillight glows more brightly.  Even the shock of a firecracker or thunder may cause a field of fireflies to flash in unison.

   But the main reason for the glow is reproduction.  Each species sends different mating signals, recognizable by the number, duration, and time between flashes.  But since most males won’t respond to another species’ signal, some fireflies mimic the flashes of competitors. When a male flies down to a mimicker, he’s captured and devoured.

    On a more positive note, the firefly’s two rare light-producing chemicals, luciferin and luciferase, are used in research on cancer, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and heart disease.  When injected
into patients, those chemicals quickly detect energy problems in human cells, so researchers get a different reaction between normal and diseased cells.  Fireflies may eventually shed light on some cures.   

   In so many ways, Christians are like fireflies.  We carry a Light within.  “For though your hearts were once full of darkness,” Paul tells us, “now you’re full of light from the Lord, and your behaviour should show it!  For this light within you produces only what’s good, right and true.” (Eph. 5:8,9)  Since our free will lets us turn that light on and off, Paul says of the “fire” placed within us, “Don’t quench the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thess. 5:19.)  

   That firey Light — given to us when we’re born again — shines brightest when four elements work together, the most important one being love, the oxygen of the Christian life. We must “be filled with the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5) so we can be an example to all.

   At a time when so much of what passes for spiritual illumination is more heat than light, we must shine in the darkness of sin and despair.  Individually, our light won’t amount to much.  But just as a single firefly stands out in the inky night and attracts attention with its tiny twinkle, so can we.  In other words, our Light is the key to reproducing our faith.  Not only should we “pray... in the power of the Holy Spirit” to fend off spiritual predators (Eph. 6:19), we must let the Spirit shine brightest when we’re struggling.  When we face a collective threat, we must allow Him to syncronize our Light so we glow in unison as we “let the Holy Spirit fill and control us.” (Eph. 5:19)  

   When we do, we Christians will recognize each other by the Light we give off.  If we evade the damage, division and darkness perpetuated by misguided believers who devour any ”competitor”, we’ll show forth the Light that can bring healing to those around us.  We’ll be that spark of knowledge in a dark world of ignorance, and a reminder that we’re all going to die but can choose to live on in a kindom of Light.  This week, in your own small way, be a recommendation of that life.  A glowing recommendation.

By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the Followers of Christ church family in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To receive these free weekly articles via email, send a note to sgamble@bfree.on.ca