I read the other day about research being done in an area called bioluminescence, the study of organisms that have the ability to illuminate with their own body chemistry. It is basically the study of lightning bugs. Professor Bruce Branchini received a $225,000 grant to study lightning bugs. When I was a little boy I studied lightning bugs for free. Did you ever catch one in a jar and put it in your room and turn off the lights? Researchers are hoping in that study of the chemistry of organisms that light up on their own without a heat source to discover long term benefits for the military and health researchers. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” As Christians we are to be bioluminescent in how we run our businesses, do our jobs, treat our neighbors, care for the down and out, raise our children, treat our spouses, respond to injustice, and handle our money. Is the light of God’s love shining through you and me? I don’t know the impact the study of the lightning bugs will have on our future, but I do know the impact of letting the love of God shine through you and me. The light of the love of God is a light that can change the world. How is your bioluminescence today?
–Dr. Tim Thompson