Here are two lessons we can learn from a Beetle.
1. Body Armor
Beetles are known for their variety of defense mechanisms. From camouflage to hard shells, beetles have an array of fighting defense tools. As Christians, we are also given defense and fighting armor to protect us and defeat evil. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
What is the whole armor of God?
Being centered on truth (vs. 14a) - “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31b-32)
Filled with righteousness (vs. 14b) - "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:11-14)
Standing firm and ready with the gospel of peace (vs.15) - "“And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:14b-17)
Strong in faith (vs. 16) - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
Covered with salvation (vs.17a) - "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”" (Romans 10:9-13)
Armed with the Word of God (vs. 17b) - "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Praying always (vs. 18a) - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Being watchful with perseverance and supplication for all the saints (vs. 18b) - "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”" (1 Peter 4:7-8)
2. Short Life
Some beetle species may only live for one year. A beetle spends its life eating and reproducing. As humans, we also have a short life on earth compared to eternity. It matters what we choose to do with the time we are given. We can live our life selfishly with no eternal investment or live our life for Christ and store up treasure in heaven. (Matthew 6:20). As Pastor Adrian Rogers said, "if you woke up this morning and you're still here - God still has a plan for your life!"
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. - Matthew 24:44
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