I remember when we were little my brothers and I would catch fireflies on summer nights. We would put them in a jar, fill it with grass, cover the top with hole-poked tin foil and take them to bed with us. After being tucked in, we would stare at the jar and watch for the little flashes of light. Eventually, the blinks would get fewer and farther between and we would wake up to a stinky jar of bugs.

I think we’re like fireflies. Fireflies use their lights to communicate with each other. When they’re put in a jar, they have no one to communicate with and therefore stop emitting light. As Christians, we are called to be lights to the world. But sometimes the world distracts us. In other words, we get put in a jar and our lights go dim. When fireflies use their lights, they’re different from other bugs in that they don’t blend in with their surroundings. When they are not using their lights, they’re just like any other bug. In the same way, when we allow ourselves to become complacent about our faith, we start to look the same as everyone else around us.

When we become complacent and stuck in a jar, we lose our effectiveness. By blending in with the world, we basically tell God that He is not important enough for us to be uncomfortable. We have to avoid being put in a jar. We must keep our eyes out for potential circumstances that will squelch our lights and our faith; whether they be idols that distract us, compromising situations or careless conversations. We have to constantly be on the alert, for Satan desires nothing more than for our lights to be extinguished. So….what’s putting you in a jar?

"You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  ~Matthew 5:14-16