Bug season has arrived. There are big bugs, little bugs, crawling bugs, jumping bugs, flying bugs, running bugs, biting bugs, ugly bugs, etc. This means we can’t leave the patio door open for any length of time because we don’t want our home invaded by bugs.
But there’s a special category of bugs that I was reminded of just the other day. We refer to them as “no-see-ums.” This means they are so tiny that they are really hard to see. Just the other morning I was working in our garden pulling some weeds and doing some watering. Suddenly there was a burning sensation on my arm. Then there was the same sensation on my leg. Yes, it was a rare moment that I had shorts on. Then, the burning feeling returned to my arm in another spot. I finally realized this burning sensation was being caused by tiny little bugs, the no-see-ums, that were biting me.
Big bugs are easy to see and generally easier to avoid by swatting at them, moving away from them, etc. However, the no-see-ums are much more difficult to avoid because it’s almost impossible to know when they are close or when they are even on you and in biting position. You only know they are there when you feel the bite, the burn, or the sting.
I have a feeling that most of us would realize and understand that there are “bugs” in our faith journey too. You know, the things that are annoying, that get in the way, that are obstacles to fully feeling connected or in tune with God. Of course, there are the big bugs in the faith journey. Jesus talks about some of them being;
“sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, folly.” That list comes from Mark 7:22. Paul provides a list in Galatians 5 that he refers to these bugs as, the works of the flesh. His list includes, “sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.” Galatians 5:19-21
These are both great lists of the sins or bugs to avoid in our relationship with God. But what I find is that it usually isn’t these big “bugs” that trip me up. There’s the no-see-ums of the faith that are what get me. You know, it’s the sense of entitlement that on accession pops up. “You’ve been working hard, you’re entitled to…” Or it’s the question that satan puts in my ear. “Do you really think one time is going to hurt you.” Or it’s the statement that we hear quite often, either directly or indirectly, in our world today “Come on…everyone else is doing it.” Or a real common one that I hear about…and I experience it myself, is that little voice that whispers, especially in the difficult moments in life, “Does God really love you? Does God really care?”
Of course, what the no-see-ums are in life and faith can differ from person to person because the blind spots we each have also differ from person to person, depending on our experiences, expectations, temperament, etc. But just like in life, bug repellant keeps the bugs, even the no-see-ums, away. In our faith, the bug repellent is knowing scripture, prayer, community, and a close, vibrant, and honest connection with God.
Today, I’m going to think about the no-see-ums in my faith. What are they? When do they tend to bite? Then I might find a scripture or two to address a couple of those bites, and I’ll spend some time talking to God about it, too. How about you? Bugs, or the things that lead to sin and disconnection from God are real, even the no-see-ums. Take a moment to consider the no-see-ums in your life and faith. When you find or feel a couple of them, apply the repellent of God love, God’s Word, and God’s truth. It’s amazing how quickly the bugs will scurry away when God’s truth, Word, and love is applied in our lives.
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith