February 2, 2010

Beware!  The season is here for the little critters to arrive.  Their cousins gravitate to a warm light bulb, but these guys swarm when love is in the air.  February rocks with a magical day which brings out the annual infestation of the irritable love bug. 

People commonly mistake the love bug for the real thing.  The confusion may be self-deception since we mistakenly think we need what the love bug has to offer.  It sucks us in with frothy words and exaggerated feelings just before delivering the big sting. 

No, the love bug is not your ex-whatever:  spouse, boss or former best friend, even though these targets are tempting.  When you see one you will know it.  If surprised by one, it would be wise not to swat too hard since they are usually discovered in your mirror. 

The love bug always sees its reflection perfectly ignoring the blemishes.  Standing at the right angle hides the layers of fleshly motivation which accumulate over the years.  Dimming the lights can make the wrinkles of lust, greed or status appear to fade.  Before long the love bug is convinced that its love is all about others when in reality it only loves to get something it needs. 

That is why the love bug has a short life span.  People see it as a pest and will do anything to drive the menace away.  Its external beauty is quickly forgotten after the sting.  Selfish toxins are released which hurt so badly that people hope they never see another love bug again. 

If stung, thankfully, there is an antidote that will stop the infection.  The catch is it must be administered regularly.  It comes from the Great Physician… 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it:  Love your neighbor as yourself. 
All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”  

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) 

The remedy is obvious, change your focus to love God and love others.  Loving God is more than a feeling.  It begins with trust and grows daily through obedience to his words.  Applying God’s truth to every person and situation in life will break the back of the infection.  Toxins must be replaced with truth. 

The second ingredient will overwhelm the disease.  It’s a very rare treatment overlooked by most—love others as yourself.  The power in this ingredient is self-evident and overwhelms the user with a reminder of God’s grace to them.  The infection is rendered impotent as selfishness is replaced with generosity. 

Unfortunately, too many people still suffer and long for the day when the love bug is exterminated once and for all.  Research indicates that progress is being made and that the big breakthrough may be nearer than we think.  Until then, administer the antidote religiously and enjoy the healing it will bring.

Your Comments:
            What suggestions do you have for people suffering from the love bug?